Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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To ask the Taoiseach the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State bodies, to include majority State owned banks, all public interest directors, all semi-State bodies, all State agencies and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16009/13]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) is the only State Agency under the aegis of my Department. The NESC provides guidance to Government on strategic issues for Ireland’s economic and social development.

Membership of the NESC, consists of a Chairperson, a Deputy Chairperson and members appointed on the basis of nominations received from representatives of ICTU, business and employers interests, farming and agricultural interests, the environmental sector, the community and voluntary sectors, in addition to a number of public servants and independent experts.

Appointments are made in accordance with the National Economic and Social Development Act 2006 and SI Number 603 of 2010 – National Economic and Social Council (Alteration of Composition) Order 2010.

No remuneration is paid to members though they are entitled to claim for travel and subsistence for their attendance at Council meetings.

Although not classed as directors, I am happy to provide the Deputy with information on the stipends received by members of the National Statistics Board (NSB). Appointments to the NSB are made in line with the provisions of Section 18 of the Statistics Act 1993.

The Chairperson receives an annual stipend of €8,978 and four of the seven Board members are eligible to receive an annual stipend of €5,985. The other members are serving Civil Servants and receive no additional remuneration for serving on the Board. Stipends were paid to four members of the NSB during 2012 with a total cost of €26,933. NSB members may receive travel and subsistence on a vouched basis. The costs of the Board are met from the CSO Vote.