Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

They relate clearly to the question that has been asked. I am giving the Taoiseach examples of the shortfall in the system. He spoke about the appointments he has made in respect of the NESC, but I have a broader question for him as Head of Government. What role does he have or what actions will he take to ensure that Departments and Ministers in his Government make full use of the new public system? How can he ensure that people who put themselves forward for these appointments are given full, due and fair consideration? I raise this issue not to cast aspersions on the qualifications or suitability of anybody appointed to date but because the Government was so keen to get away from the cronyism, real or perceived, of the previous Administration and put a new system in place to increase transparency and open up the process, yet Ministers are not playing ball. All the evidence reflects that while applications are being taken, the insider system of appointment is very much alive and well on the Taoiseach's watch. What will he do about that?

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