Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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Appointments to statutory boards under the aegis of my Department are subject to the relevant legislation governing the establishment of the board. In considering a person's suitability for appointment to such boards, regard would be given to a range of factors, including individual expertise and any known, or potential, conflict of interest. Under the Ethics in Public Office Act, normal disclosure requirements apply to members of boards, once they have been appointed, where the body is prescribed in regulations made by the Minister for Finance.

In relation to tax compliance by persons being considered for appointment to State boards, the Department of Finance, in conjunction with other relevant Departments, is considering whether tax clearance certificates can and should be required of such persons. Based on the outcome of that process, a decision will be made on whether any change to the existing arrangements is appropriate or not.