Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 28, between lines 21 and 22, to insert the following:"(a) in subsection (3) by substituting the following paragraph for paragraph (c):

"(c) environmental matters, including climate change and environmental sustainability, in the person’s capacity as a representative of the commercial or not-for-profit sector or otherwise, as the case may be;",".

This amendment deals with an issue raised by Deputy Bríd Smith on Committee Stage. Following the discussion on Committee Stage, I asked my officials to consider the original amendment tabled by Deputy Bríd Smith and to discuss an appropriate alternative with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel that might address the Deputy's position. I understand that my officials have also discussed this matter with representatives from the Deputy's office to clarify her requirements. On foot of the discussions last week and in consultation with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, I am proposing an alternative amendment to that tabled by Deputy Bríd Smith, but to reflect the issues raised by her.

I am conscious of the need for the appropriate representation from the environmental sector on the board of bodies such as the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI. I do not believe that positions on State boards should be ringfenced for any specific sector. Consequently, I do not propose to accept the amendment proposed by Deputy Bríd Smith. As the Deputy will be aware, new arrangements for the appointments to State boards were introduced in 2014. These will be put on a statutory footing later this year. These arrangements strengthen the appointments process and ensure that individuals with necessary skills for the efficient and effective running of State boards are appointed following an open and transparent process. The appointments process is run independently by the Public Appointments Service and it is open to any individual to register his or her interest on www.stateboards.ie.

A number of State boards come within the remit of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I actively encourage people to register their interest with www.stateboards.ie, particularly women. The vast majority of the applications that have come across my desk so far have been from men. I would encourage women to register their interest on www.stateboards.ie. It would also be nice to see a few people from the countryside and not only from the city of Dublin on State boards. If Deputies know of people who have expertise and want to get involved in State boards, please encourage them to register with www.stateboards.ie.

Having reviewed the existing legislation in relation to the appointment of the board of SEAI, the provisions around the environmental competence can and should be strengthened. Accordingly, I am proposing an amendment to section 10(3)(c) of the Sustainable Energy Act 2002 to include reference to climate change and environmental sustainability and to clearly state that appointees may represent non-for-profit or commercial interests. I hope that this addresses Deputy Bríd Smith's concerns. In addition, I advise the Deputy that arrangements are in hand for the filling of the existing vacancies on the board of SEAI. An information booklet setting out the required skills and details pertaining to the appointments has been drafted. I have instructed my officials to ensure that appropriate reference to the environmental competencies being discussed here today is included in that specification. I also ask that the Deputy advise any individuals or organisations who may have an interest in participating in the board of SEAI or any State body to register their interest on www.stateboards.ie.

I am accepting the principle of Deputy Bríd Smith's amendment, in respect of which I have brought forward the revised wording. I am also committing to ensuring that the deficit as outlined by the Deputy will be incorporated into the new appointments, based on the applications that are submitted. I can only make a decision based on the applications received. I ask Deputy Bríd Smith to encourage as many people as possible in this sector to put their names forward.

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