Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I have stated in previous replies that the scope and detail of this legislation have yet to be worked out. To give any commitment before that is done would be rather speculative, so I will not do that. I have already outlined the approach for the bodies provided under the Broadcasting Act 2009. Different boards require different approaches, and each needs to be treated on an individual basis. When bringing forward proposals on any future State boards, I am satisfied that each Minister will provide for the most appropriate bases from which to draw their membership. We have to bring forward legislation on this, but we have had a tried and tested system in place. From my ministerial experience, I have often acted on recommendations by people who I personally did not know. Obviously, I knew the person in some cases, but in other cases I did not.

It is all about finding people with the relevant qualifications and criteria that are needed to fill the vacancies. We might need somebody with accountancy skills, somebody with proven business acumen, or somebody who has acted as some kind of public interest director. It depends on the board we are talking about or the vacancy that has arisen. All these criteria must be examined and a balance found when a board is being constituted. I usually find that is the case. There is often a problem in finding a suitably qualified person who would give his or her time to serve on a board. There is an open invitation to all citizens who feel they could play a constructive role to contact the relevant Minister or Department concerned, and then they can be considered in the event of a vacancy arising.

It is not my experience that there is a closed shop. It is all about trying to find people who are eminent in taxation institutes, the Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Law Society and so on who might have something to contribute and whose skill sets are relevant to ensuring that the board discharges its governance duties and keeps executives to account. That has to be continuously monitored.

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