I concur with the remarks made by the Leader of the Opposition and everyone else in respect of the Cathaoirleach, Deirdre, Jody, Aisling, all of the other staff and Members. I extend my good wishes to everyone.

Reference was made earlier to public interest directors. There is no such thing in law as a public interest director. They are all non-executive-----

Tell Senator Keane that.

They are paid.

Of course they are paid; they are directors.

Not all directors are paid.

Will the Senators hear me out? I seek the Cathaoirleach's protection.

Senator Paul Coghlan to continue, without interruption.

Did the Senator buy 17% of Irish Life?

No. Let us be honest, the people to whom I refer are surplus to requirements.

Well said.

I have no doubt that the late Brian Lenihan - God be good to him - had very good intentions when he appointed the people in question. However, there is nothing to distinguish them from others. We thrashed this matter out yesterday with Mr. Ray MacSharry, who meant well and provided a good overview, and Ms Margaret Hayes. There is a need for fewer directors within these institutions and we certainly do not need public interest directors because they are all captured by the prevailing culture of the institutions to which they have been appointed.

We must change the culture.

If the Senator includes NAMA in that regard, we will support him.

I am simply explaining, for the benefit of all Senators, that the boards of these institutions rule by consensus. Everything is governed by loyalty.

We must change the culture.

Mr. Ray MacSharry did not appreciate it when I informed him, with respect, that public interest directors were as useful as paps on a bull.

We will have to change that.