Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

She cannot get away with that. It is important as this particular model, which camouflaged everything so well, was constructed deliberately with a great gaping hole in the middle. It negates all the other clauses that were put into the document, as a Minister, despite all the jargon, can still pick and choose whomever he or she wants.

These guidelines have become a vehicle for cronyism. Unfortunately, there have been six examples outlined in the The Irish Daily Mailand other examples appeared today. They are the preface to what Deputy Daly referred to as a further example of the cronyism that we will continue to see in the farewell honours bestowed by the Government. This is only the beginning of a tradition honoured by all Governments since the foundation of the State. Only two weeks ago, we saw the process relating to the police authority, with an in-built bypass meaning the Minister can make direct appointments instead of the Public Appointments Service. She also has the same right to renew appointments. A week ago we saw an advertisement for judges placed in newspapers and they will, I presume, be appointed before the Government leaves office. The problem is this practice has not been tackled either. Why has the Government not decided that the way it appoints the Judiciary should change in the way it aspired to? Instead, we have seen a running mate of the Taoiseach appointed to the Judiciary. I am sure he is very able but he never had to do an interview for the post.

There are other examples that are completely unacceptable and we have seen cronyism rife in the country. This is only another symptom of what is going on which the Government is refusing to end.

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