Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 424: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the failure of the Central Fisheries Board to replace or appoint a fisheries protection and conservation director which is vacant; the length of time this position has been vacant; the length of time the last appointee was in place for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26188/09]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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While the management of staffing resources by the Central Fisheries Board (CFB) is primarily a matter for that agency, I am informed that the duties and responsibilities associated with protection and conservation are incorporated into the role of Field Services Director which is a senior management role in the CFB. The position has been vacant since September 2008, following the appointment of the previous incumbent to the position of Director of Research and Development in the CFB, having held the Field Services role since July 2007.

I understand the Field Services post was advertised by way of open competition and interviews were held in October 2008. A suitable candidate was not identified and consequently no appointment was made. In light of the Budget Day 2008 announcement of the Government's intention to merge the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards into one national authority, it was decided to postpone making an appointment to the post pending the establishment of the new authority. I am further advised that the duties and responsibilities associated with the Field Services post continue to be discharged by the previous incumbent, on an interim basis. I would also point out that since 27 March 2009 the filling of all public service vacancies is subject to a moratorium and requires the sanction of the Minister for Finance.