Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The figure is 107. Whatever happened in the past, it does not necessarily mean it was right. We should have new politics and we should start with reform. What is being proposed is old politics. The stuffing of State boards with political appointees and hacks, without any scrutiny, should be a thing of the past. Perhaps my proposal will fall on deaf ears but I ask that these appointments be halted until such time as there is proper scrutiny of the people concerned. That should be done and we should have reform of our political system. It should start with this point. The people of Ireland are sick and tired of this jaded type of politics and cronyism and it must change. The Government should take heed of what the people want in this regard.