Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the procedures he follows in relation to 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. [14704/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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In making appointments to State boards, I take into consideration the expertise and overall knowledge and experience the appointee will bring to the board in question. I also have regard, as far as possible, to gender balance requirements. I do not undertake any detailed vetting of such appointees.

As regards tax compliance by persons being considered for appointment to State boards, the Department of Finance, in conjunction with my own and 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, the Minister for Finance will consider further with his Cabinet colleagues whether any change to the existing arrangements is appropriate or not and I will contribute to that consideration.