Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We had an opportunity on Second Stage to get stuck in politically. There is a private Members' debate later in which I am sure none of us will be holding back, but I do not want any of us to lose sight of the fact that nobody is saying the current appointee is not suitable for the job in the context of this legislation. I may have points to make in this regard during the Private Members' debate later, but that is a different matter.

The public needs to have confidence in the process. We cannot have confidence in a process that sets up a new organisation with existing staff. While I have used Titanic metaphors, this is a question of people having confidence and those inside the organisation having peace of mind from knowing that they have come through a robust process unaided. How long will a person be in that position? When it ceases to be temporary, will he or she be required to go through a recruitment process or will another exception be included in the legislation in respect of the first director general and directors? The latter instance would be wrong. It is an insult to people to state that someone will struggle along on ¤195,000. For those who are lucky enough to have a job, the average industrial wage is low.

I will give an advance taster of this evening's Private Members' business. The previous Administration in its wisdom did not make me the Minister for Health and Children. I am not responsible for that policy. This is a new day.