SIPO nomination conflict

Summary

Deputy O’Rourke challenges the appointment of Geraldine Feeney to SIPO, arguing a former NAGP lobbyist should not sit on a body investigating leaks to that organisation. The Tánaiste stands over his earlier reply, and the Chair prevents the matter from being pursued further.

Darren O'Rourke Sinn Féin

I raise the issue of the appointment of Ms Geraldine Feeney to SIPO.

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Seán Ó Fearghaíl An Ceann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

It has already been raised.

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Darren O'Rourke Sinn Féin

I know the Business Committee has already met so there will be no other opportunity to raise this. Does the Tánaiste believe it is appropriate to appoint a former lobbyist for the National Association of General Practitioners to SIPO, which has responsibility, in the first instance, to investigate allegations of the leaking of confidential documents to that organisation? Does he not see this as a complete contradiction and complete conflict? Does he believe it is appropriate? Will he intervene on it?

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Leo Varadkar The Tánaiste Fine Gael

Deputy Doherty raised this earlier and I stand by the reply given to him.

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Darren O'Rourke Sinn Féin

In terms of standing over whether it is inappropriate, will the Tánaiste withdraw the nomination?

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Seán Ó Fearghaíl An Ceann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

We are not getting into that matter here.

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