Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for that. How many of these people have been removed from their positions in recent years? How many have actually come before the relevant Minister? I presume they are accountable to the Minister. How many of them have been removed? There were 2,416 according to the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar, when he was in opposition. It would be interesting to know how many have been removed. Have they all got a clean bill of health? Have they all been reappointed every year?

I wish to ask a second question. In 2009, a global economic forum was held in Dublin Castle. The Government of the day received volunteers from many among the Irish diaspora overseas who offered to serve on these boards. How often has that been taken up? Has it been taken up by any of the Ministers under this Administration? Are they still looking in that area or have they given up?

See this speech in context