Seán Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)

I am delighted to be able to contribute to the Second Reading of Deputy Varadkar's Bill, which he initially introduced last year. It is barely a year in the House. I notice from the Deputy's speech today that he has matured a bit politically over the past year, and it is a steep learning curve in this House. 8 o'clock

The Deputy stated that people in the political process deserve to be rewarded for their participation if qualified and able for the job. On the issue of whether a person should be examined before a committee, I agree with his statement that there should not be a prurient trawl through the personal life of an applicant. In the past year the Deputy has learned that these processes are easier said than done. I doubt that the same Bill would be produced today as would have been produced a year ago. With regard to his statement on whether people deserve to be rewarded for their participation, does the proposer of the Bill perceive that in the future he may be in a position to favour certain political associates?

The point relating to subjecting an applicant to a prurient trawl in respect of his or her personal life is extremely important. There is no way people will come before Dáil committees and subject their personal lives to scrutiny under the political microscope. This is particularly true when one considers how political parties currently operate. It was interesting to watch the confirmation proceedings relating to the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the US Supreme Court. During those proceedings, the Republicans and Democrats were openly at war in respect of her appointment. The Republicans sought information in respect of Judge Sotomayor's views on race, immigration, gun law, etc., while the Democrats sought to give her credit and applaud her for her efforts in the past.

People who come before committees receive training from communications companies in respect of what not to say and the questions they should avoid answering. In addition, these individuals are also studying the areas that are of interest to committee members in order that they might anticipate the type of questions that might arise. For example, if a member might supports Israel or Palestine in the Middle East crisis, those being questioned will seek evidence of his or her views to anticipate how a discussion might develop. It is not a matter of members asking questions and obtaining information, instead it is a matter of a person seeking to be, for example, confirmed for a position trying to minimise the impact the proceedings will have on him or her.

Adopting good corporate governance is of the utmost importance. The Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, referred to last year's report from the OECD and the effect it is having on the Government. The latter should set a minimum standard in respect of the qualifications and ability - in respect of a person's level of corporate expertise, his or her leadership qualities and his or her knowledge of good corporate governance - it expects from those nominated to serve as chairpersons or board members. I commend the Ministers for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and Transport, Deputies Ryan and Dempsey, on the initiatives they have taken in this regard.

There must be good governance at the top because this will filter down through the management systems and make a body effective and efficient. As far as customers and clients are concerned, good value must be provided. Those who are chosen to serve as chairpersons and chief executives must adopt the high standards relating to good corporate governance.

I strongly agree with the principle behind section 5(1) of the Bill. When the Government and the Departments have had the opportunity to examine the annual accounts, reports and programmes put forward by State bodies, these documents should be laid before the relevant Oireachtas committee.

I congratulate Deputy Varadkar on introducing the Bill at this opportune time. The Green Party is currently involved in discussions with Fianna Fáil on the new plans for government and has already raised the issue of public appointments. Deputy Varadkar has jumped on the bandwagon in that regard and more power to him.

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