Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 423: To ask the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the total number of appointments to State boards since March 2011 under the aegis of his Department; the total number of appointments that have been advertised on his Department's website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35603/12]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 424: To ask the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the number of chairpersons appointed to State boards since March 2011 that have appeared before the relevant Joint Oireachtas Committee;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35616/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 423 and 424 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that on the 3rd of June 2011 I invited Expressions of Interest from persons wishing to be considered for appointment to vacancies on State Boards under the aegis of my Department, which were expected to occur up to the end of 2011. On 9th February 2012 I invited further expressions of interest from persons wishing to serve on any of the Boards under the aegis of my Department. The Deputy will appreciate that appointments to State Boards are made in accordance with the relevant governing statute and the Minister is not obliged to make appointments from tendered expressions of interest but has the discretion to do so if he or she considers it appropriate.

There have been 37 appointments made to State Boards under the aegis of my Department since the 9th of March 2011. The Chairperson appointed to the Board of TG4 has appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee. The following table sets out details of all appointments.