James Bannon (Fine Gael)

This is very evident in the approach of the current Government as people are not appointed according to their ability to do their jobs. This needs to be addressed. The 150 or so semi-State agencies are top heavy with appointees of both the Progressive Democrats and Fianna Fáil. The Progressive Democrats Party was to address this when it got into power but it is now as bad as its Government partner at appointing its own people to boards and agencies of one kind or another. It is important to debate this as a matter of urgency because the boards could make it very difficult for the incoming Fine Gael and Labour Government to operate when it comes into power later this year.