Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach's predecessor admitted to me here that a number of the appointments he made were based on friendship, not ability. For example, the chairman of the Dublin Port and Docks board was appointed on the basis of friendship, not ability. I am glad to hear the Taoiseach say appointments should be on the basis of people's credentials and the quality of what they can bring to the board to which they are appointed. It is open to any of the relevant committees to call in chairmen - who may refuse or consent to appear - but these chairmen have already been appointed.

Does the Taoiseach agree that in the case of important appointments the persons proposed should appear at the relevant Oireachtas committee before their appointment? This would allow them put forward their assessment of what they can bring to the board to which they are to be appointed. In the case of at least six of the people I mentioned who were appointed to various boards, did the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government consult with the Taoiseach to get his imprimatur for the appointments? They are very confined and narrowly based. I am not saying they are not good people, but Deputy Gormley has six of his either failed or current supporters appointed to boards. He did not do that off his own bat and had to have the Taoiseach's consent. Will the Taoiseach confirm whether he gave that consent?

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