John Bruton
Question:9 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the bodies, if any, to which he has made appointments in 2000; the remuneration for the individuals involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15763/00]
Ceisteanna–Questions. - Departmental Appointments.
A number of appointments have been made this year to bodies under the aegis of my Department. I have appointed, in agreement with the Tánaiste and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, the following people to the Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Board – Mr. John Mulcahy, Mr. Paddy Teahon, Mr. Michael Walsh, Mr. John Treacy, Mr. John Power, Mr. Liam O'Maolmhichíl, Mr. Tom Kiernan, Mr. Sean Donnelly, Mr. William Attley, Ms Mary Davis and Ms Lucy Gaffney. The matter of remuneration is still under consideration.
On my nomination, the Government appointed Mr. Justice Declan Budd, Judge of the High Court, as President of the Law Reform Commission for a five year period. Mr. Budd will con tinue to receive his judicial salary while in this position. Also appointed by the Government on my nomination was Mr. Michael Kelly, Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children as a Local Appointments Commissioner. Mr. Kelly receives no additional remuneration for holding this post.
Has the board reassessed the original cost of £280 million given the recent disclosures in the House that the cost of relocating the State laboratories, the farm and—
Deputy Allen, we are moving well away from the substance of the question.
Has the committee assessed the up to date cost of the project?
That was not included in the question and I am anxious, because the next two questions are to be taken together, that we do not run out of time.
I will delay my question until the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation takes his questions.
What reporting arrangement is there between the Taoiseach's Department and these appointees in regard to progress on Campus Ireland and, in particular, in regard to any overruns that might arise on the originally estimated cost?
Again, Deputy Bruton, we are moving away from the substance of the question.
I am asking about reporting arrangements between the Taoiseach—
I will allow a question on reporting arrangements generally.
The board held its first meeting some weeks ago and it reported to me and the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation. I raised this issue with it and it was discussed at the Estimates meeting. While the board was extremely appreciative of the support for the development from all sides of the House it asked that there should be a reporting mechanism back to a committee of the House and the board agreed that it would report four times a year to such a committee. Those arrangements are under discussion.
Has each member of the group made a declaration of interest?
I do not know if they have yet, but I will ask.