Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I support Senator Ryan. It was not Senator Ryan's intention to suggest that an explanation is required for the board the Minister is appointing. However, this organisation will last for a long time. There will be other Ministers and appointees. Senator Ryan is attempting to ensure that in future an explanation will be given for appointments to avoid some of the problems we had in the past where political appointments were made. The Minister is correct in that this board is well represented. However, I am more concerned about the future and about establishing a board where the appointees could end up in a similar situation to that in other boards.