Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh. I am pleased to participate in and listen to the debate. I congratulate Senator Ross on his highlighting of recent developments with State boards and bringing that matter to light. Perhaps that has prompted bringing the matter further and into this Chamber.

I agree with most of the points raised by Senator Ross, and go along with the suggestion that we must consider issues of transparency and the scrutiny of appointments. However, I will not vote for the Bill on the basis of what the Minister of State outlined, namely, that this issue will be part of a bigger Bill, that reform is on the way, that we will rationalise the agencies and seek the transformation of the public service, and that we will have a new code of practice for the governance of State bodies. In the midst of all of this, we have the rationalisation of the State agencies and the McCarthy report as well as the context within which public appointments will take place.

I welcome all of that. However, there is one thread coming through in the debate which I do not like. I would hate to think that, because of political affiliations, we are seen as cronies or that anybody who is on a board is a crony and that this is all about patronage. Those serving on boards are very fine people who may have political affiliations. As has been highlighted in the debate, these are people who have the necessary skills, professional experience and qualifications. Why should sitting councillors, former councillors, former TDs and former Senators not be on a board if they have the necessary skills and qualifications?

Should they have to go through the loop of being interviewed for appointment? They have already proved themselves through their experience and qualifications yet it is suggested they should be put through another loop because some Members are not satisfied they would be suitable for the job. I do not believe in that. If such people adhere to a code of practice and are persons of integrity, why not appoint them? Let us consider a panel of people who are suitable to the various bodies or State boards. It is a positive step and is the way I want the Seanad to move forward by having such a debate, thus adding to whatever Bill is introduced by the Government. In that way, many of the ideas that have been discussed here will be incorporated in the Bill. That is all I want. Nobody is denying that we must have integrity and must adhere to a code of practice and standards in public office. We have had awful experiences and I do not want any of us ever again to be in this embarrassing position. I never want to see a repeat of recent developments. I welcome this debate and would welcome a further discussion on the next Stage. Unfortunately, I cannot vote with Senator Ross tonight.