Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for all of their responses so far. I have a question on the appointment process for board members. During previous questions, Mr. Kavanagh distinguished between appointees of the Minister and representatives of the sectoral interests. Is it the case that while sectoral interests make nominations for the board, it is essentially the Minister who makes the formal appointment? I would like that to be clarified. We spoke about the instance where there has been a board member in situsince 2008. I do not personally know that board member and I am sure he is an able representative of that sector. This committee has long-standing experience of coming across bad practice where executives or board members are in situfor long periods of time. That is the reason the guidelines are in place. Is it the case that once those sectoral interests or representatives nominate somebody, the Minister has no authority to deny that or what is the process exactly? I would like a little clarity on that, if possible.