Shane Ross (Independent)

In view of what was said today in the House, perhaps we should hold a debate on cronyism. I do not mind which Minister attends because they are all at it. Perhaps it would be appropriate that the debate on State agencies and semi-State companies should highlight the extraordinary curse of cronyism in this country. What has been said by Senators on both sides is perfectly fair. Both of the main parties and the Labour Party have always regarded semi-State directorships as the spoils of war. They put their own people into positions of authority and influence when they entered office and as they departed. Instead of merely exchanging insults on the Order of Business, let us expose this terrible curse on our semi-State companies, some of which are doing a very good job but have been discredited by people who were appointed because of party political allegiances rather than merit. There is no point in accusing each other over the practice because everybody is at it.

I agree with Senator O'Toole that No. 1 appears to be the most important matter on the Order Paper. I do not know what its implications are but it may be the beginning of something significant. The motion provides for the abolition or merger of two of the partnership quangos. I would have thought such a development would have warranted discussion in this House. I would welcome a decision by the Government to dismantle the partnership industry and remove partnership junkies from positions of authority. It is time all the quangos that sprung up because of social partnership are dismantled as that structure vanishes. However, we should not let it be rammed through as if nothing is happening. This is a matter of great significance and it deserves to be discussed at length with a Minister who can tell us what is going on.