Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is a relevant point, which I accept. The Public Appointments Service is in a position to state the skills sets needed for particular appointments. In the process in place which does not have that element formalised appointments are made on the basis of competency and the recognition of ability to do the job. It might be worth considering the Deputy's view that the Public Appointments Service should be able to point, for instance, to the skills sets needed and in the process that follows the persons to be appointed by Ministers and the Government should meet these criteria. That is a valid suggestion, which I accept.

By and large, Oireachtas committees operate effectively. The intention, in bringing chairpersons before them, was not to conduct an investigation but to ascertain what they had to offer to the agency or body concerned in terms of their experience, skills set and competencies.

We are never going to get it 100% right every time but these people bring skills, energy and commitment to the positions, which are very important.

I take on board the Deputy's views on the Public Appointments Service and his suggestion that the service make a list of what it believes is required for particular appointments and then see if the process can match that, in terms of numbers of men and women to be appointed.

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