Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The view expressed by the Minister that nobody can be found to run the health service for ¤195,000 per year for three years is beyond belief, ludicrous and untrue. The Minister has not even tried to engage in a public appointments process. In one case in which there was a public appointments process, the candidate ultimately selected was unable to take up the position. In this case, however, the Minister has not even tried. He just appointed somebody whom he knows. I am sure the person in question is well respected ? I have no doubt about that ? but that is not the point. The Government parties committed in the programme for Government to a new type of politics, with the consequence that positions such as the one in question would be open to competitive tender. There may well be other talented people who would be better for the job. However, we do not know because the competition has not taken place. The Minister has ridden roughshod over the programme for Government. He promised new politics but failed to deliver. The Minister can huff and puff all he likes-----