Written answers

Wednesday, 5 November 2014

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Road Safety Authority

Photo of Billy TimminsBilly Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

209. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position in relation to the nomination of a person (details supplied) as the new chair of the Road Safety Authority; the criteria for their selection; where the position was advertised; when and where they applied; the person who interviewed them for the position in question; the number of persons that were considered and interviewed for this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42450/14]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

All vacancies for State Boards for which this Department has responsibility are available to be viewed on the Department's website at

A number of individuals were considered before Ms. Liz O'Donnell was selected to fill the post of Chair of the Road Safety Authority, vacated by Mr. Gay Byrne.  Ms O'Donnell came to attention having expressed an interest in serving on a State Board via the Board Diversity Initiative. The Initiative provides a bridge between Boards and women candidates.  It was established in 2010 to address a perception that there was, and is, a shortage of talented women candidates for non-executive director positions in Ireland. 

Arising from the initiative, a panel of suitably qualified women was created and is available to chairpersons, nominating committees and others involved in the appointment of directors. Since the launch of the initiative, more than 30 women on the panel have been appointed to Irish boards. 

Before deciding to appoint Ms.O'Donnell as Chair of the RSA, I met with her to determine her suitability for and interest in the role.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.