9 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the process used to select the new chair of the board of Enterprise Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41932/08]

Members of the board of Enterprise Ireland are appointed under section 9 of the Industrial Development (Enterprise Ireland) Act 1998. The Act provides that members shall be appointed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, and that the former shall designate one member of the board as chairperson. The Act specifies that a member of the board shall not serve for more than ten consecutive years.

On the resignation of the previous chairperson of Enterprise Ireland some months ago following completion of ten years of exemplary service to the board, I immediately sought a suitable replacement. I was pleased that Mr. Hugh Cooney was willing to accept my invitation to join the board and to assume the position of chairperson. The Minister for Finance had no hesitation in giving his consent to Mr. Cooney's appointment. I am pleased with Mr. Cooney's appointment and I am satisfied that he is eminently qualified and suitable for his new position.

On the last question, if I may digress, Mr. Rody Molloy, the director general of FÁS, has met Deputy Kenny.

I know.

I met Mr. Molloy separately.

The Deputy should finish his question.

This is a question on Enterprise Ireland.

FÁS has offered to allow us to examine some of its records. We have accepted, but FÁS has been unable to find a suitable time. The Tánaiste might want to check her facts.

And change the record.

And to change the record, of course.

Someone should not be barred from holding office because he or she contributed funds to Fianna Fáil, but it creates questions among the public. Was any effort, direct or indirect, made by the Taoiseach to lobby the Tánaiste on this appointment? In future, would it not be more appropriate for such decisions to be analysed by the appropriate committee, as is the case in the United States and elsewhere? Fine Gael has drafted a Bill to that effect. Does the Tánaiste agree that this provision would remove some of the concerns people have about contributors to Fianna Fáil being appointed to important offices by ensuring proper scrutiny of this area and that decisions are not made as they are currently?

The views expressed by the Member opposite are a disgrace.

Why?

Let the Tánaiste answer.

He obviously does not know the man.

I do not.

He is speaking in general.

The Deputy does not know of his capacity or capabilities——

I do not. That is why I would like an answer.

——as many in the House do. That the man made a small contribution to a party in a personal capacity, which he was more than entitled to do, in no way influenced anyone. I did not know of the contribution. It is scurrilous of Deputy Varadkar to imply that there was any lobbying for the position.

Was there?

That was his question.

I took a considerable period of time----

I asked a question and the Tánaiste has not answered.

Inferences were made.

Let the Tánaiste reply.

Following the retirement of the previous chairman, I took considerable time to ensure that the next appointee would give the board the necessary direction and support. He has given both. Perhaps the Deputy might revert to the fact that his Government appointed a contributor, Mr. Lynch, with whom I have worked and who is eminently qualified to sit on a board. If someone makes a contribution to a political party or a local cumann or branch, should he or she be barred from participating on a board?

I specifically stated that it should not be a bar.

As always, the Deputy has made an inference to win the populist vote. Mr. Cooney, who is well known by many Deputies, is eminently qualified, has significant capacity and is someone who knows what is occurring in the country. His skills and talents will add to the board's eminence. It would be more appropriate for the Deputy to familiarise himself with my appointee before throwing mud at him.

The Minister did not answer either of the questions I posed.

I did.