Results 1,921-1,940 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: 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...

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: 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.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: 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.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: 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 State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: 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.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: No.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: 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.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: 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...

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: 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...

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Is the Deputy referring to my Department?

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I have no idea.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I know of the situation in my Department; that is the subject of these questions.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The board of the NESF needs to be reappointed.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister concerned.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: They are not advertised.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Is that with regard to my Department?

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I cannot recall such a situation.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I suggest the Deputy puts down a question.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: 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....

Standards in Public Office. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 6, inclusive, together. The code of conduct for office holders was drawn up by the Government pursuant to section 10(2) of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, following consultation with the Standards in Public Office Commission, and published in July 2003. Deputies will be aware that changes are to be made to the ethics framework upon the enactment...