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

I wish to be very clear that the PAS system is now in place, it is working very well, it is very transparent and it is operated across every appointment within my Department.

Senator O'Keeffe is correct when she observes that the members of the new board which comes together, all whom will have come through the PAS system and hold the right skill sets and qualifications, do not necessarily know each other. None of them may know each other but the Minister will have the benefit of the curricula vitae of those people who are to sit on the board. It could be a new board coming together. I believe it is the Minister who is best placed to make the informed decision about who should serve as chairman.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson asked about the independent panel. The PAS sets up the independent panel. The panel consists of public servants and an outside chairperson. I do not know who sits on the panel but it is an independent panel with many applications to go through. I have appointed to the board of the National Library of Ireland, the panel for which was chaired by Ms Bride Rosney. I have also appointed to the board of IMMA. The appointments to both of those boards have been very well received and I know those concerned are doing a good job.