Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I am aware of that. I am responding to a point made by Senator MacSharry and I contend that this issue is relevant to the spirit of the debate. A range of mechanisms are available for making the appointments. In this country and elsewhere advertisements are placed in the media inviting people to put forward their name for positions and selection is made by a body on which politicians do not sit. There is ample scope for the Oireachtas to understand the work the Central Bank is doing and interrogate it through the committee structure. The successful operation of the Central Bank is a matter of national interest. For this reason, it must be devoid of political influence and be seen to be such. Making this point does not show a lack of respect to the institution but an understanding of its role.