Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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In 2022, in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department commissioned the company, BDO, to carry out a review of the process by which the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta is appointed. A copy of the review conducted by BDO is available at the following link - www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/0ba1e-board-of-udaras-na-gaeltachta/.

Following on from this review, in December 2022, Government approved the General Scheme of a Bill to give effect to a new approach in relation appointments to the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Pre-legislative scrutiny of this General Scheme was undertaken by An Comhchoiste Oireachtais don Ghaeilge, don Ghaeltacht, agus do Phobal Labhartha na Gaeilge early last year and the Committee published its report in July last.

The Committee's recommendations are currently being scrutinised by my officials and, on completion of this work, it is my intention to publish the Bill at the earliest possible date.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with the provisions of the Gaeltacht Act 2012, the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta consists of five members nominated by Local Authorities with Gaeltacht areas under their jurisdiction, as well as seven other members selected by the Minister following a public competition organised by the Public Appointments Service.

Proposals to amend existing legislation - which included a proposal that members of local authorities, the Houses of the Oireachtas or the European Parliament would be ineligible to serve on the board of An tÚdarás - were approved by Government in 2022 and underwent pre-legislative scrutiny last year.

Recommendations arising from the pre-legislative scrutiny are currently being reviewed by my officials. On completion of this work, it is my intention to publish the amending legislation with a view to providing members of both Houses with the opportunity to debate its contents in the normal way.