Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

All the letters were sent to former Minister, Deputy O'Donoghue, suggesting appointments on the basis of the person's support for Fianna Fáil at the time. One letter from Minister of State, Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher, referred to one of "our prison visiting committees", not the State's visiting committees. He suggested the appointment of a particular person based on his having spent a considerable period in prison. That is fair enough. Another letter from Minister of State Deputy O'Dea seeks the appointment of two colleagues from his party, both of whom he states were unsuccessful candidates in the recent local election and whom he is anxious to keep actively involved in the party.