Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Today eight months is Christmas Day. As a shopkeeper I am always reminded of how many shopping days remain until Christmas Day. The work we need to do to achieve the goals of the Government's programme for this year does not seem to be taking place; there are distractions and it is being put on the long finger. We must, however, make sure we do it.

Today is supported employment day, organised by the Irish Association of Supported Employment. I heard Senator David Norris on radio this morning talking about the great work being done. I have been involved with this organisation for a number of years and it is doing a great job. It encourages those who otherwise would not have had a job because of difficulties with a disability and gives them an opportunity to take the first step on the employment ladder.

Could we do something about the report published today by the Institute of Directors of Ireland? This is a serious issue. The directors of State agencies believe not enough skills are sought from those appointed to State boards. I have had some experience of State boards and have seen some valuable individuals serving on them. They have committed themselves to the work and done it well. I also know there have been failures and political appointments, about which I am concerned. The institute has checked with all of its members who are members of State boards and they say the skills needed are not included and that transparency and openness in appointments to State boards are lacking. We have had successful semi-State operations since the 1920s and it would be a shame if people were appointed to boards in a non-transparent manner and without investigating their skills to ensure the right people are appointed.

There was a reminder today of the need for defibrillators. A number of years ago there was a campaign to ensure people who might suffer a heart attack would have a defibrillator available, but we have not gone nearly far enough. There was an incident yesterday when a person had a heart attack, but luckily someone was passing by and the person concerned was saved. We must invest in defibrillators around the country and training to be able to use them. This will save lives and the onus is on us to do so.