Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 708: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a list of the vacancies on the boards of statutory or State bodies and other statutory appointments which currently exist and which must be made by him or the Government; the reason, in each case, for the vacancy; and when each vacancy will be filled. [24190/05]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 709: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a list of boards of statutory or State bodies and statutory appointments to which vacancies are expected to fall due between now and 31 December 2005 for appointments to be made by him or the Government; and the mechanisms envisaged by which the appointees will be selected. [24204/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 708 and 709 together.

The Heritage Council has one vacancy following the resignation of a council member on appointment to An Bord Pleanála. It is anticipated that this vacancy will be filled in the context of the appointment of the new Heritage Council following the expiry of the term of the present council on 9 July 2005.

In appointing persons to the boards under my aegis I follow the guidelines set out in the Cabinet handbook regarding eligibility, transparency and gender balance. The Department of Finance, in conjunction with other relevant Departments, has been considering whether tax clearance certificates can and should be required of persons being considered for appointment to State boards. Based on the outcome of that process, further consideration will be given as to whether any change to the existing arrangements is appropriate.