Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

Senators Fitzgerald and O'Toole raised a very important issue regarding the legislation which provides for the new board of FÁS. I am sure that, in common with most reasonable Members on all sides of the House, I regard this proposal as a totally retrograde step. It does not provide for any checks or balances. I am not opposed necessarily to political appointments; I recognise that people of talent may be members of a party. However, as parliamentarians we have a duty to ensure provision for the vetting of appointees; this safety measure should be provided for in the Bill. I strongly support those Senators who have raised the matter today. I suggest that, at a minimum, such appointees should appear before a joint committee of both Houses prior to appointment.

I want to return to a matter we have discussed previously, namely, safety at the world heritage site of Sceilig Mhichíl where sadly, as Senators are aware, we had the death of a second elderly person. The steps are very steep; I know because I have been there. Going up is all right but if one has any deficiency in one's eyesight, coming down is tricky, not to say precarious. I do not see how a safety rope or rail would interfere. I am sure all reasonable people would agree that safety must be paramount. I urge the Leader to ensure the Minister accepts this point; it would not interfere one whit with the outstanding universal value of this ancient monastic site. It is vital that we do not lose further time in ensuring the provision of a safety measure.