Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

As Deputy Martin will be aware from his own experience, it is difficult enough to find people who want to put themselves in the public eye by chairing or participating in State boards. This is because of the pressure they may come under from one source or another. By and large, I am reasonably happy with the way this process has operated. The practice of having chairpersons attend before an Oireachtas committee is an innovation which is in the public interest. The quality of those appointed, in terms of their competence to do the job, has by and large been very good. They are getting on with their work.

Ministers apprise not only me but also the Cabinet of persons to be appointed as chairs of State boards. Obviously, not all of the appointments to all boards come before Cabinet, as the Deputy is well aware. The Cabinet is informed of senior appointments and the filling of positions of responsibility, as is normal procedure.

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