Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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320. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is concerned by the number of appointments to State Boards under his remit that do not go through the Public Appointments Commission; his plans to review the manner in which State Boards are appointed to ensure that the most suitably qualified persons fill vacancies that arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30800/14]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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This Government has made changes in relation to appointments to State Boards and bodies, with new arrangements widening the opportunity to participate on such Boards, involving advertisement of vacancies for applications from suitably qualified candidates and, in accordance with the Government Decision of 12 April 2011, I have since 2011 on my Department's website, invited Expressions of Interest from persons wishing to be considered for appointment to vacancies on State Boards under the aegis of my Department and this information has been used to inform decisions for such appointments. Such invitations are designed to extend the range of suitable persons from which a Minister might make appointments. I would add that appointments to Bodies under the aegis of my Department have also included nominations by Committee of the Oireachtas, worker directors and ex-officio positions. While I am aware of the service that can be provided by the Public Appointments Service, I would point out that the arrangements I have outlined provide for a wide and varied process of selection for appointment

All appointments are made in light of the objectives of the organisation and on the basis of appointees having the necessary competencies, expertise and experience to contribute effectively to the work of the particular boards, whilst also taking into consideration the legislative requirements where applicable.