Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

I fundamentally disagree with Senators Ross and Donohoe. The institutions of the State command and demand a certain level of respect. As I stated, in a small country it will be possible to trace some level of lineage or connection to a political party, even in the case of Senator Ross. We expect the Government of the day to take decisions on behalf of citizens. Governments must have confidence in their ability to exercise this function and be accountable to the electorate. People can adjudicate in this matter under the Constitution when a general election is held.

It is imperative that the Minister has decision-making powers. I am pleased he is in a position to make appointments to the Central Bank commission. How often are Senators frustrated by ministerial answers stating that a matter raised is the responsibility of this or that body? I am pleased the Minister can make the appointments in question as they arise and do not accept there is a political complexion to this issue.

What is the optimum selection process? Would appointments be made by the Trinity club? Does one have to be a graduate of Trinity College Dublin to be acceptable to the masses? Such a proposition would not be acceptable to the National University of Ireland. Must appointees be members of the Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil parties or a member of the teaching profession? What prescribed body would one choose other than a government that has been democratically elected to select the most appropriate people to do a job? What elitist group could one choose that would be best placed to decide what individuals are best qualified?

The Minister indicated that people must be qualified to do the job. Ministerial appointments must be made and no process is fairer or more accountable than democratically elected representatives taking decisions on behalf of their electors. If they do not perform to scratch, under the Constitution we have a good means of getting rid of them in due course.