Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Appointments to boards are made on the basis of the knowledge, expertise and experience individuals can bring to a board. In many cases appointments are made on the basis of nominations by relevant groups, such as social partners, and the individuals involved agree to serve out of a sense of public duty rather than monetary considerations. In most boards there are no monetary considerations. It is not recommended that people with problems or difficulties like those outlined by the Deputy serve on boards, although it depends on the nature of the difficulty. Most people in society are affected by minor issues but if it was a major tax issue the person would be ruled out.

Most boards are composed of members put forward by nominating bodies and such bodies tend to be careful about nominating people with difficulties, although it happens from time to time. Most of the time this is not an issue.

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