Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 543: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of vacancies in statutory bodies and advisory committees under the aegis of her Department; when she plans to fill these vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28381/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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There are four agencies funded by the Exchequer through my Department's Vote - the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Family Support Agency, the National Educational Welfare Board and the Office of the Ombudsman for Children. I also have responsibility for the children detention schools as provided for in Part 10 of the Children Act 2001. They are also funded through my Department's Vote. There are currently two vacancies on the Board of the Children Detention Schools, the Board of the Adoption Authority of Ireland has one vacancy, the Board of the Family Support Agency has three vacancies and the Board of the National Educational Welfare Board has one vacancy. In line with the Government policy in relation to appointments to State boards, on my Department's website I have invited expressions of interest from people interested in being appointed to the Boards of State Bodies and Agencies operating under the Department's aegis. The notice indicates the vacancies in the boards of the respective bodies. In making my decisions on appointments to Boards, subject to the governing legislation, I consider the most suitable people for the positions available, with due regard to the body or agency in question and its particular responsibilities, and I seek to ensure the appropriate mix of skills and experience is in place to achieve the best result. There are also several advisory committees under the aegis of my Department. The membership of the advisory committees is under regular consideration.