Dáil debates
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
Ceisteanna — Questions
Appointments to State Boards.
10:30 am
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1: To ask the Taoiseach the appointments made by him since June 2002 to the State Boards, or other agencies under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16808/07]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 2: To ask the Taoiseach the appointments made by him to State boards since June 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18784/07]
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 3: To ask the Taoiseach if he will list the persons appointed to State boards or agencies operating under the aegis of his Department since 1 January 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20154/07]
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together.
The information sought by the Deputies concerning appointments made by me to State boards and agencies under the aegis of my Department since June 2002 is set out in the following schedule.
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 and the National Economic and Social Forum.
The schedule also lists appointments made in respect of the Second Information Society Commission, the term of office of which ended on 31 December 2004.
Boards and Agencies under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach | |
Board | |
1 | The National Statistics Board |
2 | The Law Reform Commission |
3 | The National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP) |
4 | The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) |
5 | The National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) |
State Board / Agency: National Statistics Board | ||
National Statistics Board (NSB) | ||
Name | Occupation / Organisation | Date of Appointment |
Mr. Frank Cunneen | Health & Safety Authority (IBEC) | February 2004 |
Mr. Ciaran Dolan | ICMSA | February 2004 |
Ms. Paula Carey | ICTU | February 2004 |
Ms. Mary Doyle | Department of the Taoiseach | February 2004 |
Prof. Brendan Walsh | University College Dublin | February 2004 |
Dr. Patricia O'Hara | Western Development Commission | February 2004 |
Mr. Derek Moran | Department of Finance | July 2003 |
Mr. Paul Sweeney | ICTU | October 2006 |
Mr. Danny McCoy | IBEC | July 2007 |
Mr. Michael J. McGrath | Department of Finance | July 2007 |
Mr. Con Lucey | IFA | July 2007 |
State Board / Agency: Law Reform Commission | |||
List of appointments to the Law Reform Commission since 2002 | |||
Name | Occupation | Date of Appointment | |
President | Mrs Justice Catherine McGuinness | Judge of the Supreme Court | 22 February 2005 |
Commissioner (Full-time) | Patricia T. Rickard-Clarke, | Solicitor | 15 September 1997 Reappointed 30 September 2004 |
Commissioner (Part-time) | Dr. Hilary A Delaney, B.L. | Senior Lecture in Law, TCD | 15 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, UCD | 1 September 1999. Reappointed 1 September 2004 |
Commissioner (Part-time) | Marian Shanley | Solicitor | 13 November 2001 |
Senior Counsel (Part-time) | Donal O'Donnell | Senior Counsel | 28 June 2005 (replaced Dr. Hilary A. Delaney, BL) |
State Board / Agency: National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP) | |||
Name | Occupation / Organisation | Date ofAppointment | |
Executive Chairperson | Mr. Peter Cassells | October 2001-April 2004 reappointed: 7 November 2005 | |
Government Departments | Mr. Philip Kelly, Asst. Secretary Deputy Chairperson | Dept. of the Taoiseach | October 2001 reappointed: 24 January 2006 |
Mr. Ciaran Connolly, Asst Secretary | Dept. of Finance | October 2001 reappointed: 24 January 2006 | |
Mr. John Walsh, Asst. Secretary | Dept. of Enterprise, Trade& Employment | June 2002 — (replaced Mr. Maurice Cashell) | |
Employers | Mr. Brendan McGinty | Director, Human/Industrial Resources, IBEC | October 2001 Reappointed: 24 January 2006 |
Mr. Liam Doherty | Director, Human Resource Services, IBEC | October 2001 Reappointed: 24 January 2006 | |
Mr. Gavin Marie | IBEC | replaced Mr. Liam Doherty in April 2007 | |
Mr. Eddie Keenan | CIF | 24 January 2006 | |
Ms. Irene Canavan | Arnotts | 24 January 2006 | |
Mr. Morgan Nolan | Industrial Relations,CIF | Jan 2004 — (replaced Terry McEvoy) | |
Trade Unions | Mr. Fergus Whelan | Industrial Officer, ICTU | October 2003 — replaced Mr. Tom Wall |
Mr. Jerry Shanahan | AMICUS | 24 January 2006 | |
Ms. Catherine Byrne | INTO | 24 January 2006 | |
Mr. Des Geraghty | Member of Executive Council, ICTU | September 2004 — (replaced Mr John Tierney, MSF) | |
Mr. Gerry McCormack | SIPTU | 24 January 2006 | |
Ms Angela Kirk | IMPACT | September 2004 — (replaced Ms Marie Levis) | |
Mr. Sean Heading, Education & Training Services Trust has been nominated by ICTU as an alternate | |||
Independent Members | Prof. Joyce O'Connor | National College of Ireland | 24 January 2006 |
Ms. Dorothy Butler Scally | Human Resources Consultant | 24 January 2006 | |
Dr. Catherine Kavanagh | UCC | 24 January 2006 |
State Board / Agency: National Economic and Social Council (NESC) | |||
Name | Occupation / Organisation | Dates of Membership | |
Chairperson | Mr. Dermot McCarthy | Secretary General, Dept. of the Taoiseach | September 2003 |
Deputy Chair | Ms. Mary Doyle | Assistant Secretary, Dept. of the Taoiseach | September 2003 |
Trade Union Pillar | |||
Mr. David Begg | General Secretary, ICTU | September 2003 | |
Mr. Peter McLoone | General Secretary, IMPACT | September 2003 | |
Mr. Manus O'Riordan | Economist, SIPTU | September 2003 | |
Ms. Joan Carmichael | Assistant General Secretary, ICTU | September 2003 | |
Ms. Sally Anne Kinahan (replaced Joan Carmichael) | Assistant General Secretary, ICTU | January 2004 | |
Mr. Jack O'Connor | Vice President, SIPTU | September 2003 | |
Business and Employer or Organisation Pillar | |||
Mr. Turlough O'Sullivan | Director General, IBEC | June 2007 | |
Ms. Aileen O'Donoghue | Director, Financial Services Ireland | September 2003 | |
Mr. Brian Geoghegan | Director, IBEC | September 2003 | |
Mr. Danny McCoy(replaced Brian Geoghegan) | Director of Policy, IBEC | October 2005 | |
Mr. John Dunne | Chief Executive,Chambers of Commerce Ireland | September 2003 | |
Mr. Liam Kelleher | Director General, Construction Industry Federation | September 2003 | |
Agricultural and Farming Organisation Pillar | |||
Mr. Seamus O'Donoghue | Secretary, ICOS | September 2003 | |
Mr. Ciaran Dolan | General Secretary, ICMSA | September 2003 | |
Mr. Michael Berkery | General Secretary, IFA | September 2003 | |
Mr. Eddie Punch | General Secretary, ICSA | June 2007 | |
Mr. Damien McDonald | Chief Executive, Macra na Féirme | September 2003 | |
Mr. Colm Markey | National President, Macra na Féirme | June 2007 | |
Community and Voluntary Pillar | |||
Fr. Sean Healy | Head of Justice Office, CORI | September 2003 | |
Mr. Donall Geoghegan | Programme Manager, National Youth Council | September 2002 | |
Mr. John Dolan | Chief Executive, Disability Federation of Ireland | September 2003 | |
Ms. Deirdre Garvey | Chief Executive, the Wheel | September 2003 | |
John Mark McCafferty | Policy Officer, Saint Vincent de Paul | September 2003 | |
Mr. Séamus Boland | Chief Executive,Irish Rural Link | June 2007 | |
Ms. Brid O'Brien | Senior Policy Officer, Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed | June 2007 | |
Ms. Camille Loftus | Community Platform | June 2007 | |
Government Department Nominees | |||
Secretary General | Dept. of Finance | September 2003 | |
Secretary General | Dept. of Enterprise, Trade and Employment | September 2003 | |
Secretary General | Dept. of Social and Family Affairs | September 2003 | |
Secretary General | Dept. of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources | September 2003 | |
Secretary General | Dept. of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government | September 2003 | |
Secretary General | Dept. of Education and Science | June 2007 | |
Independent Nominee | |||
Prof. John Fitzgerald | Senior Research Officer, ESRI | September 2003 | |
Prof. Eithne McLaughlin | Dept. of Social Policy, Queens University, Belfast | September 2003 | |
Mr. Colin Hunt | Head of Research, Goodbody Stockbrokers | September 2003 | |
Dr. Peter Bacon | Economic Consultant | September 2003 | |
Prof. Brigid Laffan | Department of Politics, UCD | September 2003 | |
Dr. Sean Barrett (replaced Colin Hunt) | Department of Economics, Trinity College | January 2005 | |
Mr. Con Lucey | Economist,IFA | June 2007 | |
Prof. Peter Clinch | UCD | June 2007 | |
Prof. Elizabeth Meehan | Queen's University | June 2007 | |
Terms of Office of NESC relevant to this PQ | |||
(a) 1998 – 2001 (extended to 2002) | |||
(b) 2003 – 2006 | |||
(c) 2007 – 2010 |
State Board / Agency: National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) | |||
Full Membership 2004 | |||
Name | Occupation / Organisation | Date of Appointment | |
Independent Chairperson | Maureen Gaffney | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Deputy Chairperson | Mary Doyle | Asst. Sec., Dept. of the Taoiseach | Jan/Feb 2004 |
Strand (i): Oireachtas | Michael Woods | Fianna Fáil TD | Jan/Feb 2004 |
John Curran | Fianna Fáil TD | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Senator Mary O'Rourke | Fianna Fáil | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Senator Paschal Mooney | Fianna Fáil | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Senator Brendan Daly | Fianna Fáil | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Senator Geraldine Feeney | Fianna Fáil | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Pat Carey | Fianna Fáil TD | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Senator Paul Coghlan | Fine Gael | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Damien English | Fine Gael TD | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Paul Kehoe | Fine Gael TD | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Joan Burton | Labour TD | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Willie Penrose | Labour TD | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Senator Kate Walsh | Progressive Democrats | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Senator Feargal Quinn | Independents | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Jerry Cowley | Technical Group TD | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Strand (ii): Employer/Trade Unions | |||
Employer/Business Organisations | Jackie Harrison | IBEC | January/February 2004 |
Maria Cronin | IBEC | October/November 2004 (replaced Jackie Harrison) | |
Tony Donohue | IBEC | September 2006 (replaced Maria Cronin) May 2007 | |
Heidi Lougheed | IBEC | January/February 2004 May 2007 | |
Patricia Callan | Small Firms Association | January/February 2004 May 2007 | |
Kevin Gilna | Construction Industry Federation | January/February 2004 | |
Dr. Peter Stafford | Construction Industry Federation | replace Kevin Gilna Oct 05 | |
Robert O' Shea | Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Industry/Exporters Association | January/February 2004 | |
Sean Murphy | Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Industry/Exporters Association | replaced Robert O' Shea Aug 05 | |
Trade Unions | Eamon Devoy | Technical Engineering & Electrical Union | January/February 2004 |
Blair Horan | Civil & Public Service Union | January/February 2004 | |
Jerry Shanahan | AMICUS | January/February 2004 | |
Manus O'Riordan | SIPTU | January/February 2004 | |
Paula Carey | ICTU | January/February 2004 | |
Esther Lynch | ICTU | Sept 2006 (Replaced Paula Carey) | |
Agricultural/Farming Organisations | Mary McGreal | Irish Farmers Association | Jan/Feb 2004 |
Michael Doody | Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Mary Johnson | Irish Co-Operative Organisation Society | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Carmel Brennan | Macra na Feirme | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Anne Murray | Irish Country Women's Association | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Carmel Dawson | Irish Country Women's Association | June 2006 (Replaced Anne Murray) | |
Emer Duffy | Irish Co-Operative Organisation Society | May 2007 | |
Michael Berkery | General Secretary IFA | May 2007 | |
Catherine Buckley | Macra na Feirme | May 2007 | |
Strand (iii): Community & Voluntary Sector | |||
Women's Organisations | Orla O'Connor | National Women's Council of Ireland | Jan/Feb 2004 |
Joanna McMinn | National Women's Council of Ireland | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Unemployed | June Tinsley | INOU | Jan/Feb 2004 |
John Farrell | INOU | replaced June Tinsley Oct 05 | |
Patricia Short | ICTU Centres for the Unemployed | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Disadvantaged | Sr. Brigid Reynolds | CORI | Jan/Feb 2004 |
John-Mark McCafferty | Society of Saint Vincent de Paul | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Audrey Deane | Society of Saint Vincent de Paul | Nov 2004 (replaced John-Mark McCafferty) | |
Sharon Keane | Anti-Poverty Networks | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Joe Gallagher | Anti-Poverty Networks | replaced Sharon Keane Sept 05 | |
Youth/Children | Malcolm Byrne | NYCI | Jan/Feb 2004 |
Marie Claire McAleer | NYCI | replaced Malcolm Byrne Sept 04 | |
Raymond Dooley | Children's Rights Alliance | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Jillian Ban Turnhout | Children's Rights Alliance | replaced Raymond Dooley Aug 05 | |
Older People | Robin Webster | National Council for Ageing and Older People/Senior Citizen's Parliament/Age Action | Jan/Feb 2004 |
Others | Frank Goodwin | The Carers Association | Jan/Feb 2004 |
Seamus Boland | Irish Rural Link | Jan/Feb 2004May 2007 | |
Fergus O'Ferrall | The Wheel | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Ivan Cooper | The Wheel | May 2007 | |
Brid O' Brien | Pavee Point | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Aisling Walsh | Disability Federation of Ireland | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Joanne McCarthy | Disability Federation of Ireland | replaced Aisling Walsh in 2006 | |
Michael O'Halloran | Chief Executive Officer Irish Senior Citizens Parliament | May 2007 | |
Marie Claire McAleer | National Youth Council of Ireland | May 2007 | |
Karen Murphy | Irish Council for Social Housing Head of Services | May 2007 | |
Frances Byrne | OPEN | May 2007 | |
Kathleen McCann | Congress Centres Network | May 2007 | |
Stavros Stavrou | Integrating Ireland | May 2007 | |
Maria Joyce | National Traveller Womens Forum | May 2007 | |
Strand (iv): Central Government, Local Government and Independents | |||
Central Government | Secretary General | Dept. Finance | Jan/Feb 2004 |
Secretary General | Dept. Enterprise, Trade & Employment | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Secretary General | Dept. Social & Family Affairs | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Secretary General | Dept. Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Secretary General | Dept. Environment, Heritage & Local Government | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Local Government | Councillor John Egan | General Council of County Councils | Jan/Feb 2004 |
Councillor Ger Barron | General Council of County Councils | Nov 2004 (replaced Cllr. John Egan) May 2007 | |
Councillor Patsy Treanor | General Council of County Councils | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Councillor Jack Crowe | General Council of County Councils | Nov 2004 (replaced Cllr Patsy Treanor) | |
Councillor Constance Hanniffy | General Council of County Councils | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Councillor Patricia McCarthy | Association of Municipal Authorities | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Donal O'Donoghue | County and City Managers Association | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
John Tierney | County and City Managers Association | Nov 2004 (replaced Donal O'Donoghue) | |
Councillor Mattie Ryan | Association of County and City Councils | May 2007 | |
Councillor Paddy O' Callaghan | Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland | May 2007 | |
Councillor William Ireland | Local Authorities Members Association | May 2007 | |
Independents | Dr Colm Harmon | Institute for the Study of Social Change, UCD | Jan/Feb 2004 |
Dr Mary P. Corcoran | Department of Sociology | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Dr Brian Nolan | ESRI | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Paul Tansey | Tansey, Webster, Stewart & Company Ltd. | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Cait Keane | South Dublin County Council | Jan/Feb 2004 | |
Marie Carroll | Southside Partnership | May 2007 | |
Professor Rose Ann Kenny | TCD | May 2007 |
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach said recently that membership of Fianna Fáil does not disqualify persons from being appointed to State boards. Was Mr. Joseph Burke re-appointed to the chairmanship of Dublin Port on the basis of his friendship with the Taoiseach or on the basis of merit and experience? His company specialised in refurbishing public houses and employed 16 people in north Dublin. The High Court was told the building company had substantial debts. It is no fault of anyone that a business venture fails. Was his re-appointment made on the basis of merit or because he was a friend of the Taoiseach?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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Mr. Burke, as a member and chairman of the board for many years, has carried out a hugely successful reform of the port company and is recognised as having done so across all political persuasions. His appointment is made on the basis of the knowledge, expertise and experience he brings to the job. These are the qualities a person should bring to a board. There are many Fine Gael and Labour Party people on boards. Most of the people I have appointed in my Department have a political orientation but are not from my party. They are all appointed on the same criteria. Mr. Burke's appointment was made on the basis of his knowledge and expertise. The improvements in the industrial relations situation and productivity in the company and the changes he has made over many years stand up to scrutiny by anyone.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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What is the position regarding Oireachtas membership of the National Economic and Social Forum? Have changes been made or are changes intended in line with the recent general election result? The technical group was represented by the former Deputy Jerry Cowley, who was not re-elected to the Dáil, and the Progressive Democrats representative was the late Senator Kate Walsh.
What is the method of selection? Is it made on a ratio basis?
Have the NESF vacancies been addressed since the general election result?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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Changes will have to be made in respect of membership of the NESF to reflect current Oireachtas representation. As I understand it, that is happening or is about to happen. It was agreed earlier this year that the existing 15 Oireachtas nominees to NESF would be reappointed pending the general election following which the position would be revisited. I understand the Whip's office will shortly be in touch with the parties to seek fresh nominations for the Oireachtas strand. It must be changed based on current Oireachtas representation.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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The Taoiseach said that membership of the NESF must change and that changes are pending. Is he directly involved in deciding who will fill the vacancies? The Taoiseach indicated that representatives from Fine Gael and the Labour Party will be on boards. Is he willing to consider the appointment of a Sinn Féin representative to the board of NESF as reconstituted following the general election result? There are vacancies on that board. What methodology is used in the selection of appointees? Does the Taoiseach take a direct hand in the selection and, if so, when does he expect to address this matter?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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The formula used is based on party representation in the House. Fifteen Members of the House are appointed to the board and it is a straight mathematical division. I have not worked out the new formula though I have included the old one in the reply. I will examine with the Whip's office what this means for Sinn Féin.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I suppose if it is based on a formula of numbers — the Taoiseach is a man of great skill with numbers and accountancy — that suggests that perhaps we would not have automatic entitlement to one of the 15 positions. Perhaps the Taoiseach will be good enough to consider the contribution we could make.
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I will consider that. To the best of my knowledge, the Technical Group was represented on the previous board, as were the Progressive Democrats and the Independents. I will look at the formula.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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What changes, if any, have been made since the reformation of the Fianna Fáil Government, with the participation on this occasion of the Green Party, following the general election? Is it the case, as the Taoiseach previously stated publicly, that those selected by him for appointment to boards are his friends? Has there been any move towards the method proposed in March by the Green Party in its Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007, which called for an independent and transparent method of appointments to State boards? I have read the programme for Government and cannot find reference therein to any change in the method by which appointments will be made to State boards. Will the Taoiseach say if there has been any change in the method of appointment to State boards and what concession, if any, has been made in respect of the proposals contained in the Green Party's Bill introduced in the House in March of this year?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is, of course, misrepresenting my view. I have stated many times that it is no longer easy to get people to serve on State boards, given the commitment required of them, much of the time free gratis and often for very small amounts. Appointments are based on a person's experience, expertise, willingness to serve and commitment to the organisation in which they are involved. Most appointments to organisations that come within the remit of my Department are nominees from the social partners. Appointments to organisations such as the National Statistics Board and the Law Reform Commission are limited to people with particular expertise in these areas.
There are no proposals or procedures in place to establish an independent system to examine or scrutinise appointments. Ministers and Departments try, to the best of their ability, to select the right people for positions. As I stated many times, people are no longer queueing up, as they did in the past, to participate on State boards. The current situation is different, given the legal position, governance arrangements and the commitment required. A limited number of people have the time or the commitment to get involved. That is a fact of life. We continue to manage to obtain suitable people but doing so is not near as easy as it was ten or 20 years ago.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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What understanding exists between the parties in government with regard to the making of appointments to State boards? Is there an arrangement by which the smaller parties in government can make or recommend nominees for appointment to these boards?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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What normally happens — this has been the case for many years — is that the relevant Department makes a nomination and that is agreed by Government. Legislation in respect of semi-State companies provides that a Minister may make a nomination which is then agreed by Government, and that is what happens. Consideration will be given to a suitable nomination by any member of Government.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Is there an understanding or agreement in terms of allocations, ratios, proportions and so on between the parties in government with regard to the making of appointments to State boards?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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There is no agreement in respect of allocations, ratios and so on. The Deputy is implying that the bigger party gets X and the smaller party gets Y, but there is no such arrangement.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Will the Taoiseach confirm that neither the Green Party nor the Progressive Democrats will be consulted in advance in respect of appointments by Fianna Fáil Ministers to State boards and that they will have absolutely no say in that matter? Will he tell the House what vacancies currently exist on State boards? Will he also list those vacancies and tell us when it is intended to fill them? Will the Taoiseach clarify the question asked earlier, namely, why he forgot to appoint two directors to Aer Lingus?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I do not wish to be unhelpful to Deputy Shatter but I am answering questions in respect of boards which come under the aegis of my Department. The Government makes appointments to State boards as provided for in legislation. There is consultation with Government in respect of nominations by Ministers, but ultimately the decision is made by the Minister. Much depends on what is provided for in the relevant legislation.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach did not respond to my question regarding what vacancies currently exist on State boards. I think the Chief Whip is falling for the Taoiseach.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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He is falling off the job.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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We are anxious not to have a Dublin South constituency accident if by-elections are to be avoided.
Will the Taoiseach list what positions are currently vacant on State boards? In the context of the Taoiseach's expression of concern in respect of the difficulty of finding suitable people to sit on boards because of the governance provisions and the time commitment, does the Government plan to review the remuneration payable to members appointed to State boards?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I do not think there is such a proposal, but the Deputy would need to table a question to each Minister in respect of vacancies on State boards that come under the remit of their Departments. I have outlined in my reply the position in respect of my Department.
I have made the point several times that significant issues arise in respect of membership of State boards in terms of time, legal positions and governance arrangements. Most members of State boards are also members of several audit committees and other committees. The situation is unlike it was years ago. Given the volume of legislation enacted in the past 15 years and the practices arising therefrom, it is no longer considered a great plus to be a member of a State board. A limited number of people are prepared to give the time and effort required for State boards. It is for this reason that people of all political persuasions and none are represented on State boards and that is good.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Does the Taoiseach know what positions are currently vacant on State boards?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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Is the Deputy referring to my Department?
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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No, on boards in general.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach has no idea what vacancies exist even in his own Department.
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I know of the situation in my Department; that is the subject of these questions.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Which positions are vacant?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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The board of the NESF needs to be reappointed.
Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach will be aware of requests from the self-catering industry for representation on the board of Fáilte Ireland. This industry is an important part of the sector but because its members are so dispersed throughout the country they have very little influence or voice while big decisions are being made about the future of that sector. The industry has made its case to the Taoiseach and the line Minister for representation on the board. Will the Taoiseach use his influence to ensure they are represented when the vacancy arises?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister concerned.
James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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With respect to the Taoiseach's statement about the difficulties of finding suitable people, will he inform the House whether these positions are advertised and, if not, why not?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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They are not advertised.
James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Why not, if there is a difficulty in finding people?
Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Was there ever a case where a person nominated to a board was found subsequently to be disqualified for any reason and that person's name was withdrawn as a result or was forced to resign from the board as a result of information which the Taoiseach was not aware of when he nominated the person?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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Is that with regard to my Department?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I cannot recall such a situation.
Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Will the Taoiseach find out this information?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I suggest the Deputy puts down a question.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach in his reply mentioned that because of recent legislation it is becoming more difficult to find good people to serve on State boards. Is he suggesting that the legislation should be changed. Surely it is most important to find well qualified, good people to serve on boards and if this is being prevented by something in the legislation does he propose a change in the legislation?
Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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No. Issues of governance and the responsibilities and obligations of directors are the same in the private as in the public sector, as the Deputy will be aware. That means that because of the time commitment, people are not prepared to be members of boards unless they can give the time to do the work to the best of their ability and to participate in committees such as audit committees. The duties and responsibilities of board members are demanding. I talk to many of the key people on State boards on a regular basis and many will say that the time commitment is very high. This is evident in boards in many areas, particularly in the key commercial semi-State sector. Members of such boards do not want to be reappointed. They serve their term which they regard as their duty to the State and they then move on. It is a time commitment.
Many boards hold weekly meetings. I referred earlier to the board of Aer Lingus, some members of which are from the United States so they must travel over for meetings. They put in a considerable effort and the same applies for members of other boards. When membership of a sub-committee is taken into account, such people could have to devote as much as one day a week. That is acceptable if a person is not too busy, but it is a significant commitment for an individual who is a member of one of the key commercial State boards.