Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

An appointment is required in respect of governorship of the Central Bank. A replacement must also be found for the chief executive of the regulatory authority. I am not sure whether these two entities will continue as separate entities or if they are to be merged. Will the Taoiseach ensure that the position or positions to be filled will be opened up to competition not alone in Ireland, but from abroad to ensure people who believe they have the qualifications to fulfil those roles will have an opportunity to apply for appointment? Does the Taoiseach envisage an involvement of the relevant Dáil committee with such people to allow them to outline their qualifications, experience and what they could bring to the position to be filled, whether it is a regulator, governorship or an amalgamated position? I would like to see a situation whereby State boards, when employing a chief executive, write into the contract of employment that if the position of responsibility is abused then any golden handshakes simply do not apply. For example if a young garda graduates from Templemore, signs a contract and serves for 30 years, but abuses that privilege, that person should lose all of the benefits that come with being a member of the Garda Síochána. Recently, there has been a seething anger on the streets as a result of what has occurred. That should be regulated and controlled and the Taoiseach is in a position to do so and I will support him in that regard.

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