Vol. 432 No. 2
46 Mr. Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will formulate regulations or guidelines in connection with the provision of services to boards of companies or organisations under his aegis by members of the board of such organisations or by organisations connected with such persons.
The Agency for Personal Service Overseas (APSO) and the Refugee Agency are the two State agencies which operate under the aegis of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The members of the boards of the agencies are appointed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
I am satisfied that both agencies are operating in accordance with the Guidelines for State Bodies which were prepared by the Minister for Finance and approved by the Government in 1992. Areas covered by the guidelines include codes of conduct for board members, competitive tendering and procedures for disclosure of interests by board members. Responsibility for the preparation of amendments to the guidelines, if they are required, rests with the Minister for Finance.
