Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Finance the procedures he follows regarding vetting persons being considered for appointments to State boards under his aegis, especially in regard to tax compliance and any other issue which, if revealed, would make a person unsuitable for appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14701/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Appointments to statutory boards under the aegis of my Department are in the first instance subject to the relevant legislation governing the establishment of the board. In considering a person's suitability for appointment to such boards I would have regard to a range of factors including any known, or potential, conflicts of interest. Following appointment to a board, the normal disclosure requirements under the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 apply where the body is prescribed in regulations made under the 1995 Act.

With regard to tax compliance by persons being considered for appointment to State boards, my Department, in conjunction with other relevant Departments, has been considering whether tax clearance certificates can and should be required of such persons. Based on the outcome of that process, I will consider further with my Cabinet colleagues whether any change to the existing arrangements is appropriate.