Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Question 264: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the appointments made by him to State boards under the remit of his Department since March 2011 that were advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24248/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that Government policy is to introduce greater transparency in the appointment process. In line with this policy and in an effort to broaden the pool of suitable candidates for consideration for appointment to boards, I sought expressions of interest last summer from suitably qualified people for appointment to the boards of several agencies under my Department's remit. I also made it clear in advertising those vacancies that I would not be restricted to only those who responded to the advertisement.

IDA Ireland

Mr Alan W. Gray and Ms Mary Campbell were appointed to the Board of IDA Ireland on 6th February 2012. While these posts were publicly advertised, neither of those appointed applied through the expression of interest process. Ms Mary Campbell was identified following consultations with IDA Ireland to nominate a person with relevant international financial experience for my consideration for appointment to the Board.

National Standards Authority of Ireland Board (NSAI)

Ms Barbara O'Leary and Mr. Terry Landers were appointed to the Board of NSAI on 6th March 2012. Both appointments were publicly advertised and Ms O'Leary and Mr Landers both applied through the expressions of interest process.

National Consumer Agency (NCA)

Ms Colleen Savage and Mr Eugene Gallagher were appointed to the Board of the National Consumer Agency on 6th May 2012. Both appointments were publicly advertised and Mr Gallagher applied through the expressions of interest process.

I have just launched a further expressions of interest campaign in respect of Board vacancies that have arisen or are due to arise over the coming months. In this respect, my overriding focus is to find the best people for particular board appointments. In making appointments I will have regard to the expertise and experience of individuals, the balance of skills and attributes in terms of the overall composition of the board, the gender balance of the board and the availability and commitment of people to serve on the board.