Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll:

The Chairman asked about appointments to the board. Nowadays, that is done through the Public Appointments Service, PAS, as the committee is aware. People express an interest in being appointed to specific boards. They go through the PAS, which draws up a short-list for ministerial decision.

We have a division that has oversight of State bodies in the horses and dogs sectors. It is headed by an assistant secretary - my colleague, Mr. Gleeson - who is currently dealing with the dog racing legislation.

We have a system of constant interaction. We do not leave Bord na gCon off. All that I meant to imply in my remarks was that we must be clear as to where responsibility lies. If a Department or Minister rushes in and takes responsibility away from an agency, it is comfortable for that agency. Agencies are given specific responsibilities and they must exercise them. They have chief executives and boards to oversee that work.

I will examine the salaries question.