Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, 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.

As regards 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.