Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all speakers for their contributions. I have absolutely no role in selecting candidates for the Seanad by-election, as this is a matter for Fine Gael and its executive council. However, it is my responsibility to ensure that people appointed to the boards which fall within the remit of my Department are capable of doing the job, have the relevant experience and are capable of making a valuable contribution to the running of the relevant organisation.

As I have previously outlined, Mr. McNulty brings considerable business experience to the IMMA board. I value the fact that he is a person with a background in business. He has also been involved in a range of local cultural and heritage projects and he is committed to the promotion of the Irish language. As I have outlined, I made two appointments to the IMMA board on Friday, 12 September. Ms Sheila O'Regan has served as the curator of a museum in Limerick for nine years and she also brings a wealth of other experience to the board. I wish to point out that vacancies existed on the board of IMMA. Legislation is required in order to reduce the number of members of the board, and this legislation is pending.

I reiterate that these individuals will not receive any payment for their role on the board.