Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of unfilled board positions under the auspices of his Department; the length of time they have been vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11667/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the information sought is outlined in the following tables.

Censorship of Publications Board and Censorship of Publications Appeal Board

The Private Security Authority

The Private Security Authority (PSA), an independent agency under the remit of my Department, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry in the State. The last Board of the PSA completed its term of office on 3 December 2012. On 16 November 2012, I invited Expressions of Interest in respect of seven positions on the new Board. The remaining four positions, in accordance with the relevant legislation, are to be nominated representatives from my own Department, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, An Garda Síochána and the PSA itself. I expect to shortly be in a position to make an announcement on the appointment of a new Board.

The Equality Authority

The Deputy will also be aware that the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority are in the process of merging to form the new Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC). An independent selection process in relation to the membership of the new Commission is underway and members of the public were invited to apply. The intention is that the successful applicants will be appointed by myself and by Government to the two existing bodies, pending enactment of the necessary legislation to effect the merger. It is also intended that the successful applicants will meet with the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality.