John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I thank my colleague, Deputy Leo Varadkar, for introducing the Public Appointments Transparency Bill. This is important legislation and is timely in view of recent developments such as the resignation of the FÁS board and the serious questions being asked of all State appointed boards. The Bill proposes necessary changes in the manner in which individuals are appointed by Ministers to Government bodies by bringing greater transparency and accountability to the appointment process and by bringing greater scrutiny to the operations and activities of various State agencies, boards and quangos. Recent events have demonstrated that these reforms are urgently needed. We see the necessity for Dáil reform and the changes to the business that are needed.

Having nominees for senior positions on such boards appear before the relevant Oireachtas committee to give evidence as to suitability, qualifications and other matters relevant to nomination will bring greater clarity to the appointment process. It is important that the individuals who take on such roles are seen to have been appointed in an open and transparent manner, and that their qualifications and suitability for such rules are publicly questioned and examined. The experience to date has shown that ministerial oversight is often insufficient and inadequate.

Members of boards of State agencies and quangos are often not directors of the activity in that they do not direct any specific function of the organisation. They have no status or function other than when meeting as members of the board. Generally they have no authority or right of access to management except through the chief executive officer, who controls everything. Friends of friends are on boards. The legal function of board members often covers such areas as remuneration, disclosure and board procedures but generally the legislation establishing the organisation is a vague in respect of the specific duties of direction and control of the business activities of the organisation. All of these factors make it imperative that persons being appointed to board level positions of State agencies and quangos have the necessary experience to enable them to fulfil the expected role of responsibility for the public interest in all aspects of the operation of the organisation. This is important legislation if we are to do business differently. Questions have been asked about the number of Oireachtas committees. This could be a major role of a committee, bringing in people, checking their capabilities and making them accountable. The person appointed would feel a greater responsibility. Putting people on boards because they have the expertise in one area does not mean they have expertise and qualifications to make a difference.

The Minister's appointments to the board of NAMA will be critical. It is important that, in appointments to bank boards, the citizen's viewpoint is represented and that the public interest nomination on these boards reflects the interests of the people. People see members of State boards appointing relations and appointing people to other boards. It is a special, elite club like a public members club. People are frustrated. There should be a national register of appointees to all boards. The appointments should be in the public domain. Appointed members should occasionally make a statement on what they bring to the board. It is a privilege to be appointed to a board but there is also the responsibility of accountability. In government, Fine Gael will make appointments through a public, open forum. Deputy Varadkar's Bill is about change. Change in business is important and, as a businessman, I know that what was right last year might be wrong this year. One must keep changing and discussing improvements with the management team. In the 12 years I have been in Leinster House nothing has changed. We are using the same procedures and little or no Dáil reform has taken place. A very effective mechanism of Dáil reform would be for the committees in the House to have a real role. As Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Scrutiny I believe that scrutiny of legislation and appointments is very important. The Minister should seriously recommend this to improve politics and to make this House more accountable to the people who elect us.

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