Dáil debates

Wednesday, 28 February 2007

Ceisteanna — Questions (Resumed)

Appointments to State Boards.

11:00 am

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 6: To ask the Taoiseach the appointments made by him since June 2002 to the State boards, or other agencies within his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43895/06]

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 7: To ask the Taoiseach the names, occupations and dates of appointment since June 2002 of those appointed to the boards of the State agencies and bodies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43901/06]

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 8: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on appointments made to State boards since he took office in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2356/07]

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 9: To ask the Taoiseach if he will set out the criteria used by him for the appointment of persons to State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3730/07]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 10: To ask the Taoiseach the appointments made to State boards or agencies since June 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3860/07]

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 11: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on appointments made to State boards or other agencies under the aegis of his Department by him since June 2006. [4434/07]

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 11, inclusive, together.

The information sought by the Deputies concerning the names of the persons appointed by me to State boards and agencies under the aegis of my Department, together with their occupations and dates of any such appointments, since June 1997 is set out in a schedule which I propose to circulate with the Official Report. The relevant bodies are the National Statistics Board, the Law Reform Commission, the National Centre for Partnership and Performance, the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, and the National Economic and Social Forum, NESF.

The schedule also lists appointments made in respect of bodies that no longer come under the aegis of my Department, namely the Information Society Commission, Digital Media Development Limited and Campus and Stadium Ireland Development, CSID.

The members of State boards under the aegis of my Department are appointed through well established nominating procedures, having regard to the remit of the bodies and, consequently, to the specific competencies and skills expected of their members. In many instances, members are nominated through relevant nominating panels. The NESC and NESF, for example, comprise representatives of the various pillars involved in social partnership, that is, employer bodies, trade unions, farming organisations and community and voluntary organisations.

Boards and Agencies under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach
1The National Statistics Board
2The Law Reform Commission
3The National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP)
4The National Economic and Social Council (NESC)
5The National Economic and Social Forum (NESF)
6Second Information Society Commission *
7Digital Media Development Limited **
8Campus and Stadium Ireland Development (CSID) ***
*The term of Office for the Second Information Society Commission ended on 31 December, 2004.
**Media Lab Europe was established by the Government and MIT with effect from May 2000. Although established as a private company, the Board was appointed by MIT and the Government. MIT appointed three Board members, the Government appointed three, and three were appointed jointly. The Government appointments were Danny O'Hare (ex-DCU), Ann Riordan (ex-Microsoft) and Denis O'Brien (Esat). The joint appointees were Gerhard Schulmeyer (Siemens), Red Burns (New York University) and Bono (U2). Responsibility for both Digital Media Development Ltd. and Media Lab Europe transferred to the Department of Public Enterprise in May 2001.
***In January 2001, the responsibility for Campus and Stadium Ireland Development (CSID) transferred to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and was subsequently dissolved following the establishment of the National Sports Campus Development Authority.
State Board/Agency: National Statistics Board
NameOccupation / OrganisationDate of Appointment
Professor Frances RuaneTrinity College, DublinJuly 1999
Mr. David DoyleDepartment of FinanceJanuary 1998
Mr. Dermot McCarthyDepartment of the TaoiseachJuly 1999
Mr. Cathal O'LoghlinDepartment of FinanceJanuary 1999
Mr. Frank CunneenHealth & Safety Authority (IBEC)July 1999
Mr. Ciaran DolanICMSAJuly 1999
Ms Paula CareyICTUJuly 1999
Mr. Steve CouldwellSmith and NephewJanuary 1998
Ms Marian HarkinTeacherJuly 1999
Ms Mary DoyleDepartment of the TaoiseachJanuary 2001
Ms. Helen Nic FhlannchadhaTeacherMarch 2002
Professor Brendan WalshUniversity College DublinFebruary 2004
Dr. Pat O'HaraWestern Development CommissionFebruary 2004
Mr. Derek MoranDepartment of FinanceJuly 2003
Mr. Paul SweeneyICTUOctober 2006
State Board/Agency: Law Reform Commission
List of appointments to the Law Reform Commission since 1997
NameOccupation / OrganisationDate ofAppointment
PresidentThe Hon. Mr Justice Vivian Lavan, Judge of the High Court27 July 1998 — retired February 2000
PresidentThe Hon. Mr. Justice Declan Budd, High Court.22nd February, 2000 — retired 21 February 2005
PresidentMrs. Justice Catherine McGuinness, Judge of the Supreme Court22 February 2005
Commissioner (Full-time)Patricia T. Rickard-Clarke, Solicitor1 October 2001. Reappointed 30 September 2004
Commissioner (Part-time)Dr. Hilary A Delaney, B.L. Senior Lecture in Law, TCD15 April 1997. Reappointed 15 April, 2002
Commissioner (Part-time)Professor Finbarr McAuley, B.C.L., LLB, MPhil, LLD, Jean Monnet Professor of European Criminal Justice, UCD1 September 1999.
Commissioner (Part-Time)Marian Shanley, SolicitorAppointed 13 November 2001
Senior Counsel (Part-Time)Donal O'Donnell, Senior Counsel28 June 2005 (replaced Dr. Hilary A. Delaney, BL)
State Board/Agency: National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP)
NameOccupation / OrganisationDate ofAppointment
Executive ChairpersonMr. Peter CassellsOctober 2001 — April 2004 reappointed: 7 November 2005
Government DepartmentsMr. Philip Kelly, Asst. Secretary Deputy ChairpersonDept. of the TaoiseachOctober 2001 reappointed: 24 January 2006
Mr. Ciaran Connolly, Asst. SecretaryDept. of FinanceOctober 2001 reappointed: 24 January 2006
Mr. Maurice CashellDept. of Enterprise, Trade & EmploymentOctober 2001
Mr. John Walsh, Asst. SecretaryDept. of Enterprise, Trade & EmploymentJune 2002 — (replaced Mr. Maurice Cashell) Reappointed: 24 January 2006
Ms Sylda Langford, Asst. SecretaryDept. of Justice, Equality &Law ReformOctober 2001
EmployersMr. Brendan McGintyDirector, Human/Industrial Resources, IBECOctober 2001 Reappointed: 24 January 2006
Mr. Liam DohertyDirector, Human Resource Services, IBECOctober 2001 Reappointed: 24 January 2006
Mr. Eddie KeenanCIF24 January 2006
Ms Irene CanavanArnotts24 January 2006
Ms Marie MoynihanHuman Resource Manager, Dell DirectOctober 2001
Mr. Terry McEvoyDirector, Industrial Relations, CIFOctober 2001
Mr. Morgan NolanIndustrial Relations, CIFJan 2004 — (replaced Terry McEvoy)
Trade UnionsMr. Tom WallAssistant General Secretary, ICTUOctober 2001
Mr. Fergus WhelanIndustrial Officer, ICTUOctober 2003 — replaced Mr. Tom Wall Reappointed: 24 January 2006
Mr. Jerry ShanahanAMICUS24 January 2006
Ms. Catherine ByrneINTO24 January 2006
Mr. Jack O'ConnorGeneral President, SIPTUOctober 2001
Ms Marie LevisAsst. General Secretary, IMPACTOctober 2001
Mr. John TierneyNational Secretary, MSFOctober 2001
Mr. Des GeraghtyMember of Executive Council, ICTUSeptember 2004 — (replaced Mr John Tierney, MSF)
Mr. Gerry McCormackSIPTU24 January 2006
Ms Angela KirkIMPACTSeptember 2004 — (replaced Ms Marie Levis)
Mr. Sean Heading, Education & Training Services Trust has been nominated by ICTU as an alternate
Independent MembersProf. Joyce O'ConnorNational College of Ireland24 January 2006
Prof. Bill RocheDean of Research, Smurfit Business School, UCDOctober 2001
Dr. Sheelah RyanCEO, Western Health BoardOctober 2001
Mr. Seamus O'BrienPartnership Facilitator, Galtee MeatsOctober 2001
Prof. Kathy MonksDean, DCU Business SchoolOctober 2001
Ms Dorothy Butler ScallyHuman Resources Consultant24 January 2006
Dr. Catherine KavanaghUCC24 January 2006
State Board/Agency: National Economic and Social Council (NESC)
Terms of Office of NESC relevant to this PQ
(a) 1998-2001 (extended to 2002)
(b) 2003-2006
(c) 2007-2010 (currently being established)
NameOccupation / OrganisationDates of Membership
ChairpersonMr. Dermot McCarthySecretary General, Dept. of the TaoiseachNovember 1998
Deputy ChairMs Mary DoyleAssistant Secretary, Dept. of the TaoiseachNovember 1998
Trade Union Pillar
Mr. David BeggGeneral Secretary, ICTUNovember 1998
Mr. Peter CassellsGeneral Secretary, ICTUNovember 1998
Ms Patricia O'DonovanAssistant General Secretary, ICTUNovember 1998
Mr. Peter McLooneGeneral Secretary, IMPACTNovember 1998
Mr. Jimmy SomersPresident, SIPTUNovember 1998
Mr. Manus O'Riordan (replaced Jimmy SomersEconomist, SIPTUMarch 2000
Ms Joan Carmichael (replaced Patricia O'Donovan)Assistant General Secretary, ICTUNovember 1998
Ms Sally Anne Kinahan (replaced Joan Carmichael)Assistant General Secretary, ICTUJanuary 2004
Mr. Charlie LennonGeneral Secretary, ASTINovember 1998
Mr. Des GeraghtyPresident, SIPTUJune 2001
Mr. Jack O'Connor (replaced Des Geraghty)Vice President, SIPTUSeptember 2003
Business and Employer or Organisation Pillar
Mr. Turlough O'SullivanDirector General, IBECNovember 1998
Ms. Aileen O'Donoghuee (replaced Turlough O'Sullivan)Director, Financial Services IrelandSeptember 2003
Mr. Simon NugentChief Executive, Chambers of Commerce IrelandNovember 1998
Mr. Tom TonerDirector, IBECNovember 1998
Mr. Brian Geoghegan (replaced Tom Toner)Director, IBECMarch 2001
Mr. Danny McCoy (replaced Brian Geoghegan)Director of Policy, IBECOctober 2005
Mr. John DunneChief Executive, Chambers of Commerce IrelandNovember 1998
Mr. Liam KelleherDirector General, Construction Industry FederationNovember 1998
Mr. Brendan ButlerDirector, IBECNovember 1998
Agricultural and Farming Organisation Pillar
Mr. Gregg TierneySecretary, ICOSNovember 1998
Mr. Seamus O'Donoghue (replaced Gregg Tierney)Secretary, ICOSApril 2000
Mr. Ciaran DolanGeneral Secretary, ICMSANovember 1998
Mr. Michael BerkeryGeneral Secretary, IFANovember 1998
Mr. Tom CurrenChief Executive, Macra na FeirmeNovember 1998
Ms Maria Moynihan (replaced Tom Curren and resigned in July 2000)Chief Executive, Macra na FeirmeOctober 1999
Mr. Con LuceyChief Economist, IFANovember 1998
Mr. Damien McDonaldChief Executive, Macra na FeirmeNovember 1998
Community and Voluntary Pillar
Fr. Sean HealyHead of Justice Office, CORINovember 1998
Dr. Katherine ZapponeChief Executive, National Women's CouncilNovember 1998
Ms Siobhan O'DonoghueCommunity Workers Co-operativeNovember 1998
Ms Orla O'Connor (replaced Katherine Zappone)National Women's CouncilApril 2000
Mr. Dan BoyleVice-President, National Youth CouncilNovember 1998
Mr. Donall Geoghegan (replaced Dan Boyle)Programme Manager, National Youth CouncilSeptember 2002
Mr. Tony MonksGeneral Secretary, Irish National Organisation of the UnemployedNovember 1998
Ms Noleen Hartigan (replaced Tony Monks)General Secretary, Irish National Organisation of the UnemployedNovember 2001
Mr. Mike AllenGeneral Secretary, Irish National Organisation of the UnemployedNovember 1998
Mr. John DolanChief Executive, Disability Federation of IrelandSeptember 2003
Ms Deirdre GarveyChief Executive, the WheelSeptember 2003
John Mark McCaffertyPolicy Officer, Saint Vincent de PaulSeptember 2003
Government Department Nominees
Mr. John HurleySecretary General, Dept. of FinanceNovember 1998
Mr. Tom Considine (replaced John Hurley)Secretary General, Dept. of FinanceSeptember 2002
Mr. Paul HaranSecretary General, Dept. of Enterprise, Trade and EmploymentNovember 1998
Mr. Sean Gorman (replaced Paul Haran)Secretary General, Dept. of Enterprise, Trade and EmploymentOctober 2004
Mr. Edmond SullivanSecretary General, Department of Social, Community and Family AffairsNovember 1998
Mr. John Hynes (replaced Edmond Sullivan)Dept. of Social and Family AffairsMay 2002
Mr. Brendan TuohySecretary General, Dept. of Communications, Marine and Natural ResourcesNovember 1998
Mr. Niall CallanSecretary General, Dept. of the Environment, Heritage and Local GovernmentSeptember 2003
Mr. John FitzgeraldDublin City ManagerNovember 1998
Independent Nominee
Prof. Jim WalshDept. of Geography, NUI MaynoothNovember 1998
Prof. John FitzgeraldSenior Research Officer, ESRINovember 1998
Ms Geraldine McAteerWest Belfast Partnership, Northern Ireland InterestsNovember 1998
Ms Irene BerginISMEAugust 1998
Ms Angela Kennedy (replaced Irene Bergin)Megazame InternationalFebruary 2001
Mr. David Finn (replaced Angela Kennedy)City JetNovember 2001
Prof. Eithne McLaughlinDept. of Social Policy, Queens University, BelfastSeptember 2003
Mr. Colin HuntHead of Research, Goodbody StockbrokersSeptember 2003
Dr. Peter BaconEconomic ConsultantSeptember 2003
Prof. Brigid LaffanDepartment of Politics, UCDSeptember 2003
Dr. Sean Barrett (replaced Colin Hunt)Department of Economics, Trinity CollegeJanuary 2005
State Board/Agency: National Economic and Social Forum (NESF)
NameOccupation / OrganisationDates of Membership
Full Membership 2004
Independent ChairpersonMaureen GaffneyJan/Feb 2004
Deputy ChairpersonMary DoyleAsst. Sec., Dept. of the TaoiseachJan/Feb 2004
Independent AppointmentsDr Mary P. CorcoranSenior Lecturer, NUI, MaynoothJan/Feb 2004
Cait KeaneSouth Dublin County CouncilJan/Feb 2004
Dr Colm HarmonDirector, Institute for the Study of Social Change, UCDJan/Feb 2004
Mr. Brian NolanResearch Professor, ESRIJan/Feb 2004
Mr. Paul TanseyEconomistJan/Feb 2004
Strand (i): OireachtasMichael WoodsFianna Fáil TDJan/Feb 2004
John CurranFianna Fáil TDJan/Feb 2004
Senator Mary O'RourkeFianna FáilJan/Feb 2004
Senator Paschal MooneyFianna FáilJan/Feb 2004
Senator Brendan DalyFianna FáilJan/Feb 2004
Senator Geraldine FeeneyFianna FáilJan/Feb 2004
Pat CareyFianna Fáil TDJan/Feb 2004
Senator Paul CoghlanFine GaelJan/Feb 2004
Damien EnglishFine Gael TDJan/Feb 2004
Paul KehoeFine Gael TDJan/Feb 2004
Joan BurtonLabour TDJan/Feb 2004
Willie PenroseLabour TDJan/Feb 2004
Senator Kate WalshProgressive DemocratsJan/Feb 2004
Senator Feargal QuinnIndependentsJan/Feb 2004
Jerry CowleyTechnical Group TDJan/Feb 2004
Strand (ii): Employer/Trade Unions
Employer/Business OrganisationsJackie HarrisonIBECJanuary/February 2004
Maria CroninIBECOctober/November 2004 (replaced Jackie Harrison)
Tony DonohueIBECSeptember 2006 (replaced Maria Cronin)
Heidi LougheedIBECJanuary/February 2004
Patricia CallanSmall Firms AssociationJanuary/February 2004
Kevin GilnaConstruction Industry FederationJanuary/February 2004
Dr. Peter StaffordConstruction Industry Federationreplaced Kevin Gilna Oct 05
Robert O' SheaChambers of Commerce/Tourist Industry/Exporters AssociationJanuary/February 2004
Sean MurphyChambers of Commerce/Tourist Industry/Exporters Associationreplaced Robert O'Shea
Trade UnionsEamon DevoyTechnical Engineering & Electrical UnionJanuary/February 2004
Blair HoranCivil & Public Service UnionJanuary/February 2004
Jerry ShanahanAMICUSJanuary/February 2004
Manus O'RiordanSIPTUJanuary/February 2004
Paula CareyICTUJanuary/February 2004
Esther LynchICTUSept 2006 (Replaced Paula Carey)
Agricultural/Farming OrganisationsMary McGrealIrish Farmers AssociationJan/Feb 2004
Michael DoodyIrish Creamery Milk Suppliers AssociationJan/Feb 2004
Mary JohnsonIrish Co-Operative Organisation SocietyJan/Feb 2004
Carmel BrennanMacra na FeirmeJan/Feb 2004
Anne MurrayIrish Country Women's AssociationJan/Feb 2004
Carmel DawsonIrish Country Women's AssociationJune 2006 (Replaced Anne Murray)
Strand (iii): Community & Voluntary Sector
Women's OrganisationsOrla O'ConnorNational Women's Council of IrelandJan/Feb 2004
Joanna McMinnNational Women's Council of IrelandJan/Feb 2004
UnemployedJune TinsleyINOUJan/Feb 2004
John FarrellINOUreplaced June Tinsley Oct 05
Patricia ShortICTU Centres for the UnemployedJan/Feb 2004
DisadvantagedSr. Brigid ReynoldsCORIJan/Feb 2004
John-Mark McCaffertySociety of Saint Vincent de PaulJan/Feb 2004
Audrey DeaneSociety of Saint Vincent de PaulNov 2004 (replaced John-Mark McCafferty)
Sharon KeaneAnti-Poverty NetworksJan/Feb 2004
Joe GallagherAnti-Poverty NetworksReplaced Sharon Keane
Youth/ChildrenMalcolm ByrneNYCIJan/Feb 2004
Marie Claire McAleerNYCIReplaced Malcolm Byrne Sept 04
Raymond DooleyChildren's Rights AllianceJan/Feb 2004
Jillian Ban TurnhoutChildren's Rights AllianceReplaced Raymond Dooley Aug 05
Older PeopleRobin WebsterNational Council for Ageing and Older People/Senior Citizen's Parliament/Age ActionJan/Feb 2004
OthersFrank GoodwinThe Carers AssociationJan/Feb 2004
Seamus BolandIrish Rural LinkJan/Feb 2004
Fergus O'FerrallThe WheelJan/Feb 2004
Brid O' BrienPavee PointJan/Feb 2004
Aisling WalshDisability Federation of IrelandJan/Feb 2004
Joanne McCarthyDisability Federation of IrelandReplaced Aisling Walsh in 2006
Strand (iv) Central Government, Local Government and Independents
Central GovernmentTom ConsidineSecretary General, Dept. FinanceJan/Feb 2004
Paul HaranSecretary General, Dept. Enterprise, Trade & EmploymentJan/Feb 2004 Retired 22/10/04
Sean GormanSecretary General, Dept. Enterprise, Trade & EmploymentReplaced Paul Haran Oct 05
John HynesSecretary General, Dept. Social & Family AffairsJan/Feb 2004
Gerry KearneySecretary General, Dept. Community, Rural & Gaeltacht AffairsJan/Feb 2004
Niall CallanSecretary General, Dept. Environment, Heritage & Local GovernmentJan/Feb 2004
Local GovernmentCouncillor John EganGeneral Council of County CouncilsJan/Feb 2004
Councillor Ger BarronGeneral Council of County CouncilsNov 2004 (replaced Cllr. John Egan)
Councillor Patsy TreanorGeneral Council of County CouncilsJan/Feb 2004
Councillor Jack CroweGeneral Council of County CouncilsNov 2004 (replaced Cllr Patsy Treanor)
Councillor Constance HanniffyGeneral Council of County CouncilsJan/Feb 2004
Councillor Patricia McCarthyAssociation of Municipal AuthoritiesJan/Feb 2004
Donal O'DonoghueCounty and City Managers AssociationJan/Feb 2004
John TierneyCounty and City Managers AssociationNov 2004 (replaced Donal O'Donoghue)
IndependentsDr Colm HarmonInstitute for the Study of Social Change, UCDJan/Feb 2004
Dr Mary P. CorcoranDepartment of SociologyJan/Feb 2004
Dr Brian NolanESRIJan/Feb 2004
Paul TanseyTansey, Webster, Stewart & Company Ltd.Jan/Feb 2004
Cait KeaneSouth Dublin County CouncilJan/Feb 2004
Full Membership 1998
Independent ChairpersonMs Maureen GaffneyOctober 1998
Deputy ChairpersonMr Dermot McCarthyDept. of the TaoiseachOctober 1998
Independent AppointmentsProf. Gearoid O TuathaighNUI, GalwayOctober 1998
Ms Marian VickersNorthside PartnershipOctober 1998
Ms Helen JohnstonSurg. Equipment Ltd.October 1998
Mr Niall FitzduffRural Communities NetworkOctober 1998
Ms Noreen KearneyTrinity College, DublinOctober 1998
Strand (i) OireachtasDeputy Gerry ReynoldsFine GaelOctober 1998
Deputy Paul McGrathFine GaelOctober 1998
Deputy Billy TimminsFine GaelOctober 1998
Deputy Mary JackmanFine GaelOctober 1998
Senator Therese RidgeFine GaelOctober 1998
Deputy Derek McDowellLabourOctober 1998
Senator Joe CostelloLabourOctober 1998
Deputy Michael LowryIndependentOctober 1998
Deputy Noel AhernFianna FailOctober 1998
Deputy Sean HaugheyFianna FailOctober 1998
Deputy Beverly Cooper-FlynnFianna FailOctober 1998
Deputy Michael KittFianna FailOctober 1998
Senator Helen KeoghProgressive DemocratsOctober 1998
Senator Jim GibbonsReplaced Helen Keogh
Senator Margaret CoxFianna FailOctober 1998
Senator Pascal MooneyFiannaFailOctober 1998
Strand (ii) Employer/Trade Unions
Employers/BusinessJackie HarrisonIBECOctober 1998
Ms Aileen O'DonoghueIBECOctober 1998
Ms Helen LougheedIBECreplaced Aileen O'Donoghue May 02
Ms Lilian O'CarrollSFAOctober 1998
Pat DelaneySFAreplaced Lilian O'Carroll 2002
Ms Mirette CorboyCIFOctober 1998
Ms Carmel MulroyChambers of CommerceOctober 1998
FarmingMs Eileen DoyleMacra na FeirmeOctober 1998
Mr John DillonIFAOctober 1998
Ms Betty MurphyIFAreplaced John Dillon
Ms Mary ColemanICOSOctober 1998
Seamus O' DonoghueICOSreplaced Mary Coleman
Mr Pat O'RourkeICMSAOctober 1998
Ms Eva CoyleICWAOctober 1998
Ms Breda RaggettICWAreplaced Eva Coyle
Trade UnionsMr Eamon DevoyTWEUOctober 1998
Mr Blair HoranCPSUOctober 1998
Mr John TierneyICTUOctober 1998
Mr. Jerry ShanahanICTUreplaced John Tierney September 1999
Mr Manus O'RiordanSIPTUOctober 1998
Ms Joan CarmichaelICTUOctober 1998
Ms Paula CareyICTUreplaced Joan Carmichael January 2002
Strand (iii) Community & Voluntary
Women's OrganisationsMs Susan McNaughtonNWCOctober 1998
Ms Grainne HealyNWCOctober 1998
Ms Ursula BarryNWCOctober 1998
Ms Joanne McMinnNWCreplaced Ursula Barry October 2001
UnemployedMs Joan CondonLimerick Centre for the UnemployedOctober 1998
Ms Mary MurphyDundalk Centre for the UnemployedOctober 1998
Mr Tony MonksINOUOctober 1998
Mr Eric ConroyINOUreplaced Tony Monks February 2002
DisadvantagedMr Chris McInerneyCommunity Workers Co-OpOctober 1998
Frances ByrneCommunity Workers Co-Opreplaced Chris McInerney
Ms Janice RansomN/AOctober 1998
Mr Joe GallagherCommunity Training ProgrammeOctober 1998
YouthMr Gearóid Ó MaolmhichílNYCIOctober 1998
Ms Ciairin de BuisNYCIreplaced Gearóid Ó Maolmhichil
Ms Marian BrattmanNYCIreplaced Ciairin de Buis December 2001
Ms Valerie DuffyNYCIreplaced Marian Brattman February 2002
The ElderlyMr Paddy DoneganRetired Workers CommitteeOctober 1998
Disability InterestsMr Roger ActonDFIOctober 1998
Mr John DolanDFIreplaced Roger Acton
EnvironmentMs Jeanne MeldonNational Planning CommitteeOctober 1998
OthersFr Sean HealyCORIOctober 1998
Mr Liam O'DwyerSt. Vincent de PaulOctober 1998
Strand (iv) Central Government, Local Government & Independents
Local GovernmentCouncillor Constance HanniffyGeneral Council of County CouncilsOctober 1998
Councillor Tom KelleherGeneral Council of County CouncilsOctober 1998
Councillor Enda NolanGeneral Council of County CouncilsOctober 1998
Councillor Patsy TreanorGeneral Council of County Councilsreplaced Councillor Enda Nolan September 2001
Councillor Tadgh CurtisAssociation of Municipal AuthoritiesOctober 1998
Mr D. O'DonoghueCounty and City Managers AssociationOctober 1998
Government DepartmentsDepartment of FinanceDept. of FinanceOctober 1998
Mr Paul HaranDepartment of Enterprise, Trade & EmploymentOctober 1998 Retired
Mr Eddie SullivanDepartment of Social, Community & Family AffairsOctober 1998
Ms Margaret HayesDepartment of Tourism, Sport & RecreationOctober 1998
Mr Jimmy FarrellyDepartment of the Environment & Local GovernmentOctober 1998
State Board/Agency: The Second Information Society Commission
The second Information Society Commission was appointed by the Taoiseach on 30 November 2001 and ran to 31 December 2004. The names and occupations of those appointed at that time were:
NameOccupation / Organisation
Dr. Danny O'Hare (Chairman)Former President of DCU (Dublin City University)
Claire CunninghamDirector, Aura Internet Services Ltd
Dr Chris CoughlanHewlett Packard
Michael ByrneCEO, Ennis Information Age Services
Jerry ShanahanICTU/Amicus
Karen HynesManager of E-Business Services, Chambers of Commerce of Ireland
Colm ReillyIrish Internet Association
Inez BaileyDirector, National Adult Literacy Agency
Rev. Dr. Eamonn ConwayHead of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, Mary Immaculate College, UL (University of Limerick)
Robert JohnstonJLS Software Solutions
Clodagh O'DonnellClient Executive, Financial Services Sector, IBM
Dee CariTorque Management
Marion O'NeillManager, Kilkenny Information Age Town
Dr Patricia O'HaraManager, Policy Division, Western Development Commission
Christopher TookWeb Developer (resigned September 2002)
Charles Stanley-SmithChief Technical Officer, Piercom
Brian LennonGuidance Counsellor, St Oliver's College, Drogheda
Donal ToolanForum of People with Disabilities
Kathryn RaleighDirector of the Irish Software Association, IBEC
Joe HoranCounty Manager, South Dublin County Council
Peter RyanAssistant Secretary, Department of the Taoiseach
State Board/Agency: Digital Media Development Limited
Digital Media Development Limited (appointments made by Government to the above Board in April 2000)
Paddy TeahonExecutive Chairman
Dan FlinterEnterprise Ireland
Don ThornhillHEA
John FitzgeraldDublin City Manager
Paul KavanaghBusinessman
Paul McGuinnessPrinciple Management Ltd
Peter CassellsICTU
Jackie HarrisonIBEC
Footnote:
Media Lab Europe was established by the Government and MIT with effect from May 2000. Although established as a private company, the Board was appointed by MIT and the Government. MIT appointed three Board members, the Government appointed three, and three were appointed jointly. The Government appointments were Danny O'Hare (ex-DCU), Ann Riordan (ex-Microsoft) and Denis O'Brien (Esat). The joint appointees were Gerhard Schulmeyer (Siemens), Red Burns (New York University) and Bono (U2).
Responsibility for both Digital Media Development Ltd. and Media Lab Europe transferred to the Department of Public Enterprise in May 2001.
State Board/Agency: Campus and Stadium Ireland Development (CSID)
Members
Paddy TeahonExecutive Chairman (former Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach)
William AttleyFormer General Secretary, SIPTU
Mary Davis(former Chief Executive of Special Olympics World Games, now CEO of Special Olympics Ireland)
Sean DonnellyCivil Engineer
Lucy GaffneyCompany Director
Tom KiernanChartered Accountant
John MulcahyDirector, Jones Lang LaSalle
Liam O MaolmhichilDirector General, GAA
John PowerSolicitor
John TreacyCEO, Irish Sports Council
Michael WalshCompany Director
Footnote
In January 2001, the responsibility for Campus and Stadium Ireland Development (CSID) transferred to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and was subsequently dissolved following the establishment of the National Sports Campus Development Authority.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I look forward to reading the schedule of appointments. I wonder if the Taoiseach has moved away from the position he outlined some months ago whereby he indicated a number of these appointments were made because the individuals involved were friends of his.

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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They are all my friends.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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They may want to be the Taoiseach's friends because of the position he holds. Section 227 of the code of conduct for officeholders states that, subject to the provisions in legislation or other formal requirements for the establishment of Government bodies for the filling of positions, appointments by members of the Government should be made on the basis of merit, taking into account the skills, qualifications and experience of the person to be appointed and so on.

Has the Taoiseach reviewed this position or is this guideline followed strictly by the members of the Government? Are there any other appointments that must be confirmed by the Taoiseach or on his behalf? If a Minister has a vacancy at an agency such as Údarás na Gaeltachta, must he approach the Taoiseach with a suggested appointee having applied the aforementioned guideline?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The question refers to State bodies under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, not other State bodies.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach is the boss and while, as he said himself, he cannot be responsible for every action of the 350,000 public servants, does he have to give the nod to every appointment relating to people on State boards?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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No, thank God. Some such appointments must be checked with the Taoiseach under statute but I am afraid I read about most of them. Most of the people appointed by the various boards and bodies under my Department arrive via nominating bodies and I have a minor influence in such cases.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach might be as well off that that is the case.

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I do not control the NESC, the NESF, the Oireachtas, the farmers, trade unions and employers. I always try to encourage the appointment of more women but if I made suggestions other than that on who to appoint I would not get my wish. It is usually a hard job to find relevant people to take up positions on some of the other boards under my aegis, such as the National Statistics Board. I have no great honours.

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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In the past various Governments have shown a tendency to pack boards in advance of a general election. Is there a likelihood that this trend will change in advance of the forthcoming election and will the Taoiseach lead by example in this regard?

Are criteria established in agencies under the Taoiseach's responsibility preventing individuals from being appointed to boards? If it emerged, for example, that an individual's tax issues were not in order would he or she be prevented from being appointed to a board or are there set rules in this regard?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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Appointments to boards are made on the basis of the knowledge, expertise and experience individuals can bring to a board. In many cases appointments are made on the basis of nominations by relevant groups, such as social partners, and the individuals involved agree to serve out of a sense of public duty rather than monetary considerations. In most boards there are no monetary considerations. It is not recommended that people with problems or difficulties like those outlined by the Deputy serve on boards, although it depends on the nature of the difficulty. Most people in society are affected by minor issues but if it was a major tax issue the person would be ruled out.

Most boards are composed of members put forward by nominating bodies and such bodies tend to be careful about nominating people with difficulties, although it happens from time to time. Most of the time this is not an issue.

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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What about packing the boards?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I do not agree with it and do not think it is a good idea.

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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After all that I am not clear on whether the Taoiseach has changed his policy from the one he expressed during his difficulty last year. He said "I appointed them because they were friends, not because of anything they had given me". Has the Taoiseach changed his view in this regard and does he still have friends who have not yet been appointed to something?

I will frame my contribution in the interrogative, in case the Ceann Comhairle feels compelled to jump in. Is it not wrong to give the impression that the Taoiseach only makes appointments to the relatively harmless boards he has listed here? The Taoiseach is involved in and consulted on appointments to the more prestigious boards.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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These questions refer specifically to boards under the aegis of the Taoiseach's Department. If the Deputy has issues relating to other boards he must find other ways of raising them.

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Ceann Comhairle is absolutely correct in this regard and I accept his point entirely.

Is there anybody in the Drumcondra retinue who has not been appointed to one agency or another? What is the answer to Deputy Sargent's question on whether it is the intention of the Taoiseach and his Ministers to make appointments on the eve of the general election? Is that practice to be continued on this occasion?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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It can be seen in the schedule that I have appointed to boards more card-carrying members of the Labour Party, who were paraded in prominent positions at that party's conferences, than residents of Drumcondra. There may be four or five such people from Drumcondra but I have appointed people who write Labour Party policy documents, who parade to Deputy Rabbitte's office and constitute his advisory team.

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I never knew I had Fianna Fáil sleepers all around me.

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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All of the Deputy's Labour Party colleagues are good people. I deal with them every day.

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Keep one's friends close and one's enemies closer.

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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A handful of poor people from Drumcondra are beleaguered because they have known me for 40 years but that is how it is. It is not practice and I do not agree with packing boards on the eve of a general election. The practice has been that after a general election people tend to pack boards. I do not agree with that practice and have always tried to avoid engaging in it. My record in that regard is very good.

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Taoiseach will be in a slightly different position after the coming election.

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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Regardless of the posts I have held over the years, I have not done what politicians in the House did in the past, which was to stick people into boards.