Averil Power (Fianna Fail)

I second the amendment. This House could play a very useful role in approving appointments to governing bodies and State agencies in general. It is one of the key ways in which the role of the House could be reformed. I accept that this could occur on the recommendation of the Minister. For example, the Minister could put a candidate's name before the House and allow Members to discuss it and have the person vetted prior to appointment. That procedure is followed in other jurisdictions and it appears to work well. I urge the Minister of State to consider the amendment.