Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

The issue of members of a board or chairmen taking on a quasi-executive role within State companies has bedevilled some of them in the past. How can it be ensured that such a negative impact does not arise with the three airport boards? Such scenarios also happen in the private sector. Recently, Independent Newspapers and Media had to come into line with best practice in ensuring the role of chief executive was separate from that of chairman of the board. A former Member, Dr. Brian Hillery, now holds the position of non-executive chairman of Independent News and Media. Maintaining a separation between the board and the chief executive, where defined roles are in place with no cross-approaches occurring, is critical. How does the Minister view the separation of roles between the board and the executive management?