Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I deduce from the Taoiseach's response that we will not see the legislation the Government promised in the programme for Government to provide a new procedure for the making of State appointments. However, as I understand it from the Taoiseach's reply it will never see the light of day during the lifetime of this Government.

Why is legislation needed? Why after almost four years in office has this Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government not applied the principles set down in the programme for Government that vacancies on State boards would be advertised? The programme provides that vacancies will be advertised and applications invited. This would not have required legislation. The Government could have done that. Why then did it not do so, in particular given Fianna Fáil's unfortunate experience in 1997?

See this speech in context