Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 453: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of positions on State boards and agencies under his aegis which he has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34509/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that I recently advertised for expressions of interest from members of the public interested in serving on the 3-person Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. No appointments have been made yet but when the selection process is completed appointments will be made by the President on the nomination of the Government.

The following vacancies in respect of positions other than on State Boards or Agencies were also advertised:-

Expressions of interest were sought through public advertisement from suitably qualified and experienced persons for nomination as Ireland's representative to the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT). Forty-eight expressions of interest were received. In line with the procedures for nomination to the CPT, three individuals were nominated for consideration. It is a matter for the CPT to decide which nominee will be appointed; that process is expected to be finalised shortly.

Expressions of interest were sought through public advertisement from suitably qualified and experienced persons for nomination as Ireland's representative to the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI).

A total of 31 valid applications were received by the deadline of 2 September 2011. One nomination was sent to the ECRI Committee for consideration by the deadline of 30 September 2011. The nomination of Ireland's new member of ECRI is expected to be ratified by the Committee of Ministers Deputies at their meeting to be held 22-24 November 2011. A number of judicial vacancies have been advertised in the last seven months by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board. The Board was established pursuant to the Court and Courts Officers Act 1995. The purpose of the Board is to identify persons and inform the Government of the suitability of those persons for appointment to judicial office. The Board places advertisements for applications for judicial appointments in the national press. The Board submits to the Minister for Justice and Equality the names of all persons who have informed the Board of their wish to be considered for appointment to that judicial office and the names of at least seven persons whom it recommends for appointment. Judicial appointments are made by the President on the nomination of the Government.

On 2 September 2011, the Public Appointments Service placed advertisements for applications for the position of Taxing Master of the High Court. The closing date for applications was 16 September 2011. A short-list of candidates is currently being considered by the Public Appointments Service and the Government hopes to make the necessary appointment shortly.