Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The renewed programme for Government makes a commitment to legislate for new transparent means to make appointments. We have discussed this here before. In the case of important appointments, such as the chairmanships of essential State bodies and agencies, there should be some parliamentary input from an all-party committee or whatever and those being considered for serious appointments should be able to say to the committee what they have to offer from their expertise or experience.

The list of legislation published by the Chief Whip does not include this. He made the point that the list of Bills are ones likely to be considered in the remaining lifetime of this Dáil. I cannot force the Government not to make appointments but I ask the Taoiseach to be cognisant of the fact that a raft of these appointments will be coming up. I agree that in many cases it is difficult to get good people to serve in many of these positions given all that goes on in politics. Where serious appointments must be made, and in light of the commitment in the renewed programme for Government to legislate for this, could some contact be made with Members of the Oireachtas to get their views on the qualifications, suitability or advantages of making a particular appointment?

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