Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I did not get a chance to ask a supplementary question earlier.

The Taoiseach has admitted here that the positions for NESC were not advertised. I am not casting any aspersions on any individuals because I am sure they are fine academics but there are plenty of fine academics across the country. This is an example of the kind of insider appointments that the Taoiseach was allegedly trying to get rid of. He was supposed to be broadening, widening and opening the net and it is extraordinary that this did not occur in the context of the NESC appointments.

The basic point is that what is now happening is far removed from what was promised by the Government in terms of appointments to State boards. It is a bit of a sham and a con-job, like many of the other commitments that were made. One of the key reforms of the last Government was introduced by former Deputy Eamon Ryan of the Green Party, who allowed Oireachtas committees to work on the appointment of people to State boards. That was real reform but we have seen nothing like that from this Government, in terms of openness, transparency or the involvement of the Oireachtas in selecting personnel for boards. That is the reality.

The Taoiseach must accept that part of Government policy was that board appointments would be advertised. I found it extraordinary, in that context, that the director of the HSE was selected by the Minister of Health. It is extraordinary that there was no public advertisement at all. The director was simply hand-picked by the Minister. There was no selection or advertising process, which is unhealthy. I am not casting any aspersions on the individual but that is a very unhealthy situation. It creates all sorts of unwelcome scenarios and compromises the independence of the individuals who get picked and selected in that way. It should not happen in the future, in any Department or for any position because it is not good enough.

Question No.3 relates to the Diaspora and it is my experience that there are many people overseas who are interested in Ireland and would be willing to give of their expertise to serve on State boards. I actually made some such appointments myself on a number of occasions. They worked out very well and it is an example that should be followed. I ask the Taoiseach to indicate whether he has had an opportunity to ensure a greater mix in the appointment of persons to State boards by including members of the Diaspora.

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