The Agency for Personal Services Overseas (APSO) and the Refugee Agency are the two State agencies under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The boards of these agencies are appointed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The Refugee Agency is responsible for the admission and integration of Vietnamese refugees into Ireland. Its board is composed mainly of representatives of Government Departments. No appointments to the board have been made since 18 October 1991.
APSO's primary concern is the promotion and sponsorship of temporary personal services in developing countries. Since 18 October 1991 the Minister has made three appointments to the Board of APSO. The Agency's Articles of Association specifically provide for the immediate declaration by each board member of any interest which he or she may have in any contract matter or item under consideration at a meeting of the board.
Copies of the guidelines for State Bodies, prepared by the Minister of Finance and approved by the Government, have been forwarded to the Chairman of both APSO and the Refugee Agency with the Minister's request that the necessary steps be taken to ensure implementation of the guidelines insofar as they relate to their respective agencies.
