Written answers

Thursday, 11 July 2019

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Appointments to State Boards

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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426. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the reason the application of a person (details supplied) to be a member of the National Competitiveness Council was not successful; and the criteria for selecting persons on the council to ensure there is SME representation. [31120/19]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The call for expressions of interest for members of the National Competitiveness Council was advertised on the State Boards website by the Public Appointments Commission (and on the DBEI and NCC websites) on 10 May.

The following criteria were outlined in the Call for Expressions of Interest Booklet:

“Expressions of interest are now being sought from suitably qualified persons, (for example, economists, or individuals who have a direct experience of competitiveness and productivity issues from a business perspective), at an appropriately senior level, for consideration for appointment as a Member of the NCC for a period not exceeding 6 years.

Members are drawn from civil society (e.g. union representatives, business representatives, businesses, and academia) and must have an interest in, and understanding, of the factors that affect the competitiveness of the Irish economy and of the polices that can influence productivity levels in the economy.  As evident from the work programme of the Council and its publications (see Section B above), this involves the Council and its members considering and commenting on a wide range of important national and sectoral policy issues.

The members of the NCC are appointed by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

The Minister shall have regard to the desirability for gender balance and regional and international perspective on the Board as the Minister considers appropriate.

The Minister shall have regard to the particular skills, knowledge and abilities of applicants when making appointments to the Board.

Desirable attributes include but are not limited to:

- Demonstrated understanding of the factors that affect the competitiveness of the Irish economy and the policies that can influence productivity levels in the economy

- Experience of effective leadership at a senior level in an applicant’s area of expertise

- Demonstrated understanding of the policy development process

- Critical thinking skills with a proven ability to grasp the detail of a wide range of issues

- Experience of participation on similar committees or groups."

Applications were received by the closing date on 7 June. The selection panel shortlisted candidates and submitted the shortlist to me from which to appoint new members to replace those stepping down/retiring from the Council.

I appointed three highly qualified people to the Council on 26 June 2019 arising from the above process.

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