Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Question 676: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his policy on appointments to State boards under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14103/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In April 2011, I announced new procedures for appointments to boards of State Bodies under the remit of my Department which are designed to widen the pool of suitable candidates for consideration for vacancies as they arise; to bring a real opportunity for suitably qualified and experienced people to shape the policy and direction of the Bodies; and to bring a new impetus and freshness of approach to these Boards.

The procedures provide for any qualified individual to make an expression of interest and join a panel of candidates for consideration when a Board vacancy arises. I have made a substantial number of appointments from the panel. However, given the importance of ensuring the right mix of skill sets on every board, appointments are not necessarily confined to those who have made an expression of interest under the new procedures.