Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Health since the Government was formed, the number of vacancies in State boards that have been filled by his Department without advertising the availability of the positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17038/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Since my appointment on 9 March 2011, I have appointed 56 people to State boards without advertising the positions through the Departments website.

From January of this year, following on from Government Decision S180/20/10//1424 on 29th November 2011, relating to appointments to State Boards, my Department has advertised for expressions of interest for vacancies on the Boards of the VHI, Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, Mental Health Commission, Health and Information Quality Authority and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland through the Department's website. I have made three appointments to the Voluntary Health Insurance Board with effect from 15 March 2012. The appointments followed advertising for persons with relevant qualifications and experience to make an expression of interest in appointment to the Board and the appointees were among those who made such an expression of interest. Further appointments are pending.