I have great respect for the Members opposite, including Senator Darragh O'Brien, who is normally quite sanguine. I am not sure why the people opposite are getting so excited. I say that with respect. We understand well how democracy functions. Regardless of the appointment to IMMA, this man would have been more than qualified to be on the Cultural and Educational Panel. We are aware of his arts and culture work-----

What work?

For God's sake-----

Will Senator Paul Coghlan specify what he has done?

He is involved in everything in Kilcar, County Donegal.

He is involved in a junior GAA team.

He refused to take part in a Radio na Gaeltachta debate with a Gaeltacht candidate, someone who speaks Irish, according to the recommendations of the Members opposite.

He has a wider involvement than that, as the Senator knows, but I will not go down that road.

If Senator Coghlan knows, he should share the knowledge with us.

I do know it but I will not waste the time of the House. I will talk to Senator Norris about it outside the Chamber. The Opposition is shamelessly chasing headlines.

No; we are chasing the principle of the Senate.

This man was prepared to act pro bono, like everyone else. He is as qualified-----

He is not going to play any role-----

On a point of order-----

He is as qualified as a former councillor, company director, barrister-----

-----I ask Senator Paul Coghlan to correct the record, because no board member, bar the chairman, is entitled to claim expenses from IMMA. He is not doing work pro bono because he would not have received a fee anyway.

That is not a point of order.

Sorry; they are all pro bono.

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

People are talking about nine, 11 or 15 board members, but the memorandum and articles of association govern the situation.

Has Senator Coghlan read them? If he had read them, the hairs would stand at the back of his neck.