Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I referred to the need for reform of the appointments process, in respect of which my question was quite particular, in line with the questions I and others have already asked this afternoon. What reform measures does the Taoiseach now intend to make? I do not ask this on the basis of making judgments in respect of anyone who has served in these capacities. Would the Taoiseach not accept the important need to ensure public confidence in the appointments system, and confidence into the future in respect of those entrusted with these responsibilities in the interest of the public in the first instance? The particular areas of crossover I have indicated vis-À-vis Anglo Irish Bank stretch into such bodies as Forfás, Bord na Móna and the Dublin Airport Authority, to name but some.

Is the Taoiseach in a position, or has he taken the time, to inform himself of the extent of the crossover between directors and members of the boards of financial institutions and those appointed by this and previous Administrations, especially in the past decade or 12 years, to various State bodies? Would the Taoiseach not accept in respect of those appointed heretofore that now is a very good time to review the practice of appointment in a non-judgmental sense, and to open it up to transparency and to the full raft of very good citizens with a variety of experiences who could bring their own special knowledge and expertise to these State boards in the future?

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