Since taking office I have made 215 appointments to bodies, boards or organisations under the aegis of my Department. Eleven of these appointments were on a full-time basis and 88 operate on a per diem basis. The board members of FÁS, Forfas, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Shannon Development, National Standards Authority of Ireland, Health and Safety Authority, NET, FÁS International operate in a part-time capacity and are paid an annual fee.
Rights Commissioners and the Chairperson, vice-chairperson and members of the Employment Appeals Tribunal are paid a daily fee for their services. The chairperson, vice-chairperson and members of the Labour Court are employed in a full-time capacity and are paid an annual salary. Appointments to the Irish Council for Science, Technology and Innovation are part-time and the chairman only receives an agreed fee. Appendix A lists all appointees to individual organisations during the period concerned, and any fees paid.
For all appointees, travelling expenses and subsistence allowances are payable in respect of journeys undertaken to attend meetings or to transact relevant business.
Appendix B shows the structure of the organisations concerned and the origin of nominations.
I have no proposals to change the current procedures which I believe have contributed to the appointment of very high calibre personnel providing valuable public service.
Appendix A