Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Too many questions remain unanswered about the appointment of Mr. McNulty to the board of the Irish Museum of Modern Art, IMMA. What makes it appear more suspicious and shady is the fact that the Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys, when she graced us with her presence so promptly yesterday, did not answer any questions. That is appalling. The purpose of her coming to the Seanad was to clarify it for us. Until the questions are answered, this will continue to be an issue because a House of Parliament is being used and abused. As I said yesterday, what other job could one get without being appropriately qualified? If Mr. McNulty was appropriately qualified on his merit in advance, why make the State appointment, given that he will have to step down in two to three weeks once he is elected?

There are other worrying issues about this, for example, learning that five women were recommended for the position within the inner sanctum of Fine Gael. When do words mean something? No woman was appointed a Minister of State and now women have been overlooked again.