Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

Paragraph 32 of the scheme states that in order to promote the public interest, one or two non-executive directors can be appointed. In reply to Deputy Charles Flanagan, the Minister stated they are not to act in the public interest. Deputy Charles Flanagan had raised the fiduciary issue. Does the Minister agree if they are not to act in the public interest they have little purpose? Will the Minister explain what is supposed to be their role?

In what way is the public interest protected by such appointments? Will the Minister clarify what type of person he regards as qualified to be so appointed? How will he determine who should be put on the panel? Not to be blunt about it, how will the House be sure that crass party political appointments will not be made to the panel?

See this speech in context