Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I indicated that there are many statutory duties which Ministers must fulfil. One of these duties, which must be discharged, is to make appointments to State boards. If there are those inside or outside the House who know people who might possess the relevant experience and who would be suitable for appointment to State boards, they should bring the matter to the attention of the relevant Ministers.

Deputy Ó Caoláin referred to the commitment in the programme for Government to establish a more transparent system for appointments to public bodies that will facilitate the appropriate Oireachtas committees to make nominations for consideration for appointment. Under this system, the relevant committees would simply put forward names for consideration. I respectfully suggest that names can be put forward without the "by your leave" of Government. It is possible to submit names at any time. The argument that has been used with regard to the Government introducing legislation can also be used in this instance. Committee members can put forward names for consideration. The scope and remit of the new system must be developed in accordance with the experience relating to nominations under the Broadcasting Act.

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