I welcome one of the most distinguished journalists in the history of the State, Vincent Browne, to the House. He has just left the Chamber.

On the appointment of Mr. McNulty to the board of IMMA, there is a procedure in place regarding the qualifications, which are important, but would the candidate be qualified if he had not been appointed by the Minister to the position? That is an important point.

That is not a matter for the Seanad.

The approach regarding the qualifications, which we all go through and of which I am well aware-----

Senator, all of that is set out in the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) Act 1947-----

But it is an excellent point.

-----and the Seanad has no role in it.

I understand that-----

It is overseen by a High Court judge.

I understand a High Court judge was an arbitrator regarding the qualifications.

It is overseen by a High Court judge.

I understand that, but I understand it is only in the event of a question mark over the qualification. I do not believe the High Court judge would be required if questions did not arise. It is a matter for the Clerk of the Seanad to decide on the qualifications of the person, subject to appeal to a High Court judge.

Senator Leyden, the Act sets out all the procedures, and the procedures as set out in the Act were adhered to.

Why was it necessary to appoint the candidate to the board-----

That is not an issue for the Seanad, the Clerk or the High Court judge.

It is a question, and people are talking to me about it.

It is a matter of public concern.

We are not discussing the appointment of people to State boards. We have no role in that.

I am not questioning the-----

It is not relevant to the Order of Business.

No, but I request that the Minister come to the House. She is getting a baptism of fire at last and is finding out that it is difficult being in Government, particularly when she did not decide on the appointment. She was told to appoint Mr. McNulty to this board.

Senator, that is speculation, and it is not relevant to the Order of Business.

It is one of many mini-scandals to affect this Government.

Senator, do you have a question for the Leader? You are way over time.

I think it will damage the candidate in the by-election in Roscommon-South Leitrim also.

I listened carefully to Senator O'Brien, as I always do, and all the Members who spoke earlier, but, with respect, the Senator is being unfair to both Mr. McNulty and the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, who treated this House with courtesy and respect yesterday evening on the matter. This man is as well qualified as anybody else who is on that board. They are not all artists. It is not a requirement that one should be an artist. One must have an interest in arts, culture and heritage, and it is clear this man has that, as outlined to us by the Minister-----

We are not discussing this man's qualifications, Senator.

I accept that, but these people serve pro bono, and there are three others on that board who are suitably qualified. One is a barrister, one is a company director and one is a former councillor. I would not object to the appointment of any of them, but-----

Particularly if they vote for you.

-----there is a more appropriate way of dealing with this matter. A committee of the joint Houses deals with these boards, under whose aegis this board comes, and if it is to be discussed anywhere, that is where it should happen. With respect, the Members opposite are being cheap on this issue; I am reading it from the smiles on their faces. They are milking it. They got one headline. I doubt if they will get many more.

If you put the cow into the byre you have to-----

They are playing the man, not the ball, and not for the first time.

Paul, your P45 is on the way.