Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Appointments to some State boards require prior Government approval. The practice initiated when Deputy Gilmore's party took office in 1992, requiring matters to be brought to the attention of party leaders before State board appointments were decided, continues. As the Deputy knows, every State board does not require prior formal Government approval. The specific matter he raises would have been discussed. The Minister would have brought this to my attention recently and I would have left the ultimate decision to the Minister, as is my practice, and I would inquire whether the formation or composition of a board had a broad range and balance of competence and skills to ensure it was effective. I do not lay down preconditions or set formulae. I like to see people, regardless of their background, being brought forward on the basis of their ability to contribute. The sponsoring Minister needs to consider the competencies of the people in question.

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