Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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Question 520: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the procedures he followed and the selection criteria used in the recent appointment of a person (details supplied) as chairman of Bord na gCon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9449/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I recently appointed Phil Meaney as chairman of Bord na gCon as, following extensive consultation with those with in-depth knowledge of the industry, and an assessment of his background and experience, I considered him to be eminently well qualified for the position. In addition to his involvement in the greyhound industry over a period of 25 years, including his previously held position as chairman of the Kilkenny Greyhound Company Limited, he was also involved in commercial business in Ireland in a very senior managerial capacity.

The Government has decided, in the case of those being proposed for appointment as chairpersons of State Boards, that such persons will be required to make themselves available to the appropriate Oireachtas Committee to discuss the approach which they intend to take to their role as chairperson and their views about the future contribution of the body or board in question. Following that discussion, decisions will be taken by the Minister or the Government, as appropriate, whether to confirm the nominee as chairperson.

In Mr. Meaney's case, he will make himself available to the appropriate Oireachtas Committee as soon as it has been established.