Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the persons appointed since he has taken up office to State boards, working groups, committees and other body comprising nominees from outside organisations which are under the aegis of his Department;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43297/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The five statutory agencies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Pensions Board, the Combat Poverty Agency, Comhairle, the Family Support Agency and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of my Department.

Since my appointment as Minister for Social and Family Affairs I have appointed persons to fill vacancies as they occur on Boards under the aegis of my Department as follows:

Seventeen to the Pensions Board

Eleven to the Board of the Combat Poverty Agency

Twelve to the Board of Comhairle

Fifteen to the Board of the Family Support Agency

Five to the Social Welfare Tribunal.

When making appointments to the various agencies I take into consideration the experience, skills and suitability of the individuals concerned having regard to the functions of the particular Board or Agency. I also consider the requirements of Government policy on gender balance for membership of State Boards.