Ruairí Quinn
Question:32 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the reason for the appointment of a person (details supplied) to the board of Telecom Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4638/99]
Written Answers. - Telecom Éireann Board.
The person in question was appointed to the board of Telecom Éireann in December 1997 having regard to his suitability for the position at that time.
In the context of the recommendations from the advisers engaged by my Department on the need to strengthen and restructure the board as soon as possible and in advance of the IPO, I met individually with each of the five non-executive directors and having explained the position to them I asked them to consider relinquishing their position on the board. It was entirely a matter for each individual concerned to consider his or her position and I left the matter with each of them.
Four of them agreed to relinquish their positions while one decided to remain on the board.
I respect his decision in this regard and fully accept it. As I have emphasised on numerous occasions, all concerned are of the highest standing and I wish to thank all of them again for their loyal and dedicated service to the company.