Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Yes, I would like a debate, thank you for reminding me, because it badly needs to be discussed. In promoting standards we must be consistent if we are to have any credibility with the public.

I support the comments and findings of Transparency International. The issue of patronage will always be there in society and there will always be a degree of that in politics. I was in Italy recently and there was a very intense discussion on the phenomenon of raccomandazione on Italian television. People feel they do not live in a meritocratic society but in a culture of who one knows. We need a discussion in the House on that matter and whether we should have a body that is responsible for making appointments to State boards. It does not matter which party is in power, each party will try to put its friends into positions which arise.