Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In a number of cases, appointments recommended by the committee were from a list given to it by the Minister. These are matters that can be reflected on. We would like to reach a situation whereby the people appointed to these boards are competent people with a measure of experience which can assist a board in completing its body of work in a professional and competent manner. I believe the appointments made to date have measured up in terms of competence and experience and that those appointed are doing a good job. What is the best system is always debatable. One can have in place what one believes to be a perfect system but an appointee might not be the type of person one requires to do a job. The Deputy will be aware that some of the bodies and State boards concerned have particular decisions to make, some of which will be difficult, and in that regard will require people who are decisive and focused on Government priorities and how to deliver in the public interest. I have taken note of what Deputy Martin said in regard to the initiative of the former Minister, Eamon Ryan.

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