Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

If Deputy McNamara had taken the time to assess how a board appointment is made, he would know that posts are advertised, people apply to the Public Appointments Service for consideration and an expert panel interviews each applicant to decide on his or her competency and merits. A small list then goes to the Minister of those who are regarded as being highly and eminently qualified for a final decision. It is a very straightforward and transparent process across all Departments and State boards.

See this speech in context