Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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389. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine 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 appointments to State boards are made in order to ensure that the most suitably qualified persons fill vacancies that arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30798/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Since May 2011, a notification has been placed on my Department’s website inviting expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the boards of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department. This notification was updated most recently on 21 May 2014 with a list of board vacancies. State Board vacancies are also advertised in the national newspapers. In making any board appointments, I am not necessarily confined to those who make such expressions of interest but ensure that all of those appointed have the relevant mix of knowledge and expertise to contribute to the relevant board.

In the case of The Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board, Bord Bia, Teagasc, National Milk Agency, Veterinary Council of Ireland and Horse Racing Ireland, board appointments, while made by me, are not at my sole discretion in that individuals are nominated for appointment by me, as provided for in the relevant statute. In view of the arrangements outlined above I am satisfied that the most suitably qualified persons are selected for appointment to State Boards under the aegis of my Department.