Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Those seeking appointment as director generals must come before Oireachtas committees for ratification. It is up to members of this House and the Lower House, to ensure that the competencies of candidates are well judged before they are appointed. They should not be appointed now. This is in line with new legislation enacted by the Government. Heretofore, one could be appointed to head up an agency depending on who one knew rather than what one knew. That has changed and it is a reflection on us if we put people in place who are not competent. Candidates appear before Oireachtas committees to have their ability judged. There is time to shout "Halt" before they are put in place. When they have been appointed, however, it is too late.