Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 234: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of positions on State boards he has nominated since March 2011; if those individuals went in front of the relevant Oireachtas Committee for questioning by the committee members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31528/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with the Government's decision in 2011, I invite expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the boards of State Bodies operating under the aegis of my Department. In making any board appointments, I am not necessarily confined to those who make such expressions of interest but will ensure that all of those appointed have the relevant mix of knowledge and expertise to contribute to the board.

In the case of a number of the State Bodies, the board appointments, whilst made by me, are not made at my sole discretion and instead individuals are nominated by various organisations for appointment by me as specified in the relevant statutes. These are the Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board, Teagasc, National Milk Agency, Veterinary Council of Ireland and Horse Racing Ireland.

There have been a number of appointments to State Boards during my tenure and the details of these are outlined in the accompanying table. The Chairs appointed have yet to be called before the relevant Oireachtas committee but are aware of this requirement.