Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am glad to hear that. In answer to a question I asked in this Chamber, the Taoiseach's predecessor said people were appointed on the basis that they were "friends". I am glad the Taoiseach takes a very different view, namely, that people should be appointed to these positions on the basis of merit. I agree with that.

Does the Taoiseach consider that some of these chairpersons might wish to go before an Oireachtas committee in respect of the agency or State body they have been asked to chair to outline the priorities they would accord to it and explain why they are accepting the job? It is not an interrogation business but intended to help persons proposed as chairpersons.

When he was Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern said he wanted to introduce some measure of involvement from Oireachtas committees in respect of people who would be appointed to State agencies or boards. This is a matter to which the Taoiseach might give consideration.

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