Written answers

Wednesday, 22 May 2013

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Appointments to State Boards

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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268. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that the Chairman of Bus Éireann, whom he appointed, is available to fully discharge the duties of this critical position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24561/13]

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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275. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will explain the way the chairman of Bus Éireann is able to live in Dubai and still carry out his role in a proper and efficient manner; if he will ensure that the chairman comes back and appears before an Oireachtas committees to explain these arrangements and the way he manages to be a hands on chairman and at the same time lives such a distance away; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24759/13]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 275 together.

I have every confidence in Paul Mallee as Chairman of Bus Éireann. The Government appointed him as non-executive Chairman of Bus Éireann and a member of the Board of CIÉ on 29th June 2011. At that time he was resident in Ireland.  I am aware he subsequently accepted an employment opportunity abroad but I am satisfied that he continues to meet the mandate set out for him on his appointment as Chairman. Mr Mallee’s extensive international transport and business experience has greatly benefited Bus Éireann.

As with any member of a Board holding a non-executive position, he is not involved in the day-to-day running of the company. Given the current situation, Mr Mallee is in regular contact with the senior management team, the Department, me and Minister of State Kelly providing valuable input.

Since he became Chairman of Bus Éireann in late June 2011, there have been 18 Bus Éireann Board meetings. Mr Mallee has attended 17 of these meetings in person and fully participated in the remaining meeting by video conference. Mr Mallee covers his own travelling expenses when attending Bus Éireann Board meetings. He has also participated in all but one CIÉ Board meeting in that time. As non-executive Chairman of Bus Éireann and member of the CIÉ Board, he is paid a total fee of €21,600.  Following the recent Labour Relations Commission recommendation, his fee will be reduced voluntarily by 20%.

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