John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I do not accept the explanation of the Minister of State in refusing to accept either of these amendments. When any changes are proposed to how State boards are appointed, we are told that any change in the structure will result in qualified people being lost. Despite this, the Government has come some way down the road to reforming how these appointments are filled.

Senator Ryan pointed out that the Government has a majority on the committees of the Oireachtas. Ultimately, if the Government wishes to pursue the appointment of an individual against the wishes of a minority on the committee, that can still be done. The principle is that the committee should be empowered to question the suitability of someone to hold such a position. Ultimately, the person in question should be in a position to give an overview of the role and what he or she wants to do as the officeholder. Any provision to open up the appointments process to that level of scrutiny should be welcomed and should be accepted by the Government. The Minister of State should change his mind.