Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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215. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has considered implementing measures to mandate that the chairpersons and boards of State-run bodies are appointed through open competitions run by the Public Appointments Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27980/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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In line with Government policy to introduce greater transparency in the appointment process, and in an effort to broaden the pool of suitable candidates for consideration for appointment to boards, I have sought expressions of interest, through the Public Appointments Service, from suitably qualified people for appointment to the boards of the agencies under my Department’s remit. My overriding focus is to find the best people for particular board appointments. In making appointments I have regard to the expertise and experience of individuals, the balance of skills and attributes in terms of the overall composition of the board, the gender balance of the board and the availability and commitment of people to serve on the board.

In making appointments to the boards of my Departments agencies, it should be noted that not all appointments are at my discretion. Some appointments are allocated under legislation to Department Representatives, social partners, nominees of other Ministers, nominees of prescribed bodies and appointments on an Ex Officio basis and are not appropriate, therefore, for public advertisement.

In December 2013, at my request, the Public Appointments Service sought the latest expressions of interest for vacancies arising on the Boards of Agencies under my Department. This exercise will help inform consideration of public appointments to Boards of Agencies under my remit in 2014.