Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is aware that annual reports are produced by the boards in respect of the work programmes they follow. I engage with Ministers on a regular basis and in preparation for the Estimates for every budget. I talk to each individual Minister about his or her departmental responsibilities and also about the boards that are related to each Department and under each Minister's aegis. At that point, one asks how board X or Y is doing, whether it is measuring up and whether the chairperson is able to do the job. That is only normal practice. These are very important positions and some are more sensitive than others.

First, it is a duty of the chairperson of the board to see that it performs its function; second, it is the responsibility of the Minister involved to see that the board is driven and motivated to make a difference; third, the board must report to Oireachtas committees and to the public. I hope those appointed fulfil their duty, that the requirements of the board are met, as determined by the Department and the Minister, in respect of whatever skill needs or ranges of experience are needed, and that they get on with the business of being effective, run their boards properly and make a difference - which is the reason they were appointed in the first place.

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