Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 142: To ask the Minister for Social Protection since the Government was formed the number of vacancies in State bodies that have been filled by his Department without advertising the availability of the positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17024/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The three statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department are the Social Welfare Tribunal, the Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Board. In addition, the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department but it does not have a Board.

The Social Welfare Tribunal consists of a Chairperson and four ordinary members, two are nominated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and two are nominated by the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC). One of the ICTU members of the Tribunal resigned in 2011 and on the nomination of ICTU, a replacement member, Ms. Chris Rowland was appointed commencing 24 October 2011.

I have made two appointments to the Citizens Information Board since coming into office. Mr. Eugene McErlean was appointed with effect from 7 September 2011. This followed my public request for expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals announced in July 2011. 172 applications were received and the appointment was made following a rigorous selection process in accordance with the legislation governing appointments to such a board.

On 1 November 2011, I appointed Ms. Fiona Ward, an official of my Department, as the Department's representative on the board, this vacancy was not publically advertised.

I have made no appointments to the Pensions Board since coming into office.