Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Senator O'Toole has asked if I could explain a system for appointment. I recently talked to an entrepreneur who has businesses around the world and approximately 3,000 employees, a couple of hundred of whom are employed in Ireland. The entrepreneur has a choice where to go. He contrasted the manner in which Ireland enforced certain European legislation with the manner employed in Britain. It took us four months to get it through whereas it was done in three weeks in Britain. He stated an employer, given a choice where to set up in business, is much more likely to favour a state with less bureaucracy and red tape. Senator O'Toole states he is unhappy with the term "appointed by the employer on a basis agreed with employees" and insists on there being an election, but this is exactly what would cause delays, red tape and bureaucracy. The wording "agreed with employees" is exactly right. It is perfect for the occasion and the Minister of State is correct to leave it as it is.