Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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102. To ask the Minister for Finance the way his Department can stand over the transparency, integrity and expertise of the original board of National Assets Management Agency when only 36 names from a pool of more than 800 applications emerged without any interview, notwithstanding the fact that the Department publically advertised for expressions of interest on the 3 of November 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29329/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will understand, given the volume of applications received it was not possible to follow up individually on each expression of interest. However, the Department in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service undertook a rigorous process of assessing and shortlisting the expressions of interest received based on a number of different criteria. These criteria included evidenced considerable experience of a high quality and high level of responsibility in one or more of the fields listed in Section 19(2) of the NAMA Act 2009, experience in a senior position e.g. CEO or senior manager of a substantial company or public organisation, and an understanding of management of complex organisations and an absence of conflicts of interest. Following this process a list of 36 names emerged for further consideration.

In addition to these candidates the Minister also appointed board members from outside the shortlist who he felt had the relevant expertise and experience to contribute to the Board.