Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 2

Written Answers. - Departmental Appointments.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

111 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the solicitors or barristers who were appointed since 26 June 1997, as members or chairpersons of any board or committee or other body, advisers, consultants, or as holders of any other position or office other than judicial office, under the aegis of or in his Department; the name of the person in each case; if he or she is a solicitor or barrister; the position to which the person was appointed; the date of appointment; the date the person ceased to hold the position if applicable; the remuneration paid since 26 July 1997; and if the holding of particular legal qualifications or experience was a requirement for the position in question. [9792/02]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

In view of the large number of appointments made in the period comprehended by the Deputy's question, it would not be practicable to establish the legal qualifications, if any, held by each of the persons appointed. In so far as information is available to my Department, the following are details of solicitors or barristers appointed during that period.

Aquaculture Licences Appeals BoardThe chairperson, Mr. Conor J. Maguire, SC, was appointed by the Government for a five year term, with effect from 30 June 1998. Given the quasi-judicial functions of the board, it was considered appropriate to appoint, as first chairperson, a senior barrister with wide experience.

His fees were as follows: (per annum) to 31/12/00, €3,809.21; from 1/1/01, €7,618.43.

Ms Berna Grist BL, was appointed as member and deputy chairperson of the board for an initial three year term, with effect from 30 June 1998. She was reappointed for a further year but resigned on 30 September 2001. While no particular legal qualification or experience was a requirement for the position, her extensive planning law expertise was considered to be a useful contribution to the board.

Her fees were as follows: (per annum) to 31/12/00, €2,539.48; from 1/1/01, €5,078.95.

Mining BoardMs Nuala Butler, BL, was appointed as chairperson of the Mining Board from 24 December 1999 until 23 December 2002. Ms. Butler is paid €7,618 per annum. Section 30 of the Minerals Development Act, 1940, stipulates that a barrister be appointed to the position of chairperson of the Mining Board.

Ministerial Task Force on Port EstatesMr. Ian Scott, solicitor, was appointed to the ministerial task force on port estates on 5 February 2001. No remuneration is paid in respect of this position. Legal qualifications and experience were a requirement.

Task Force on Dumping of Radioactive MaterialsMs Nuala Butler, BL, chaired the Task Force on Dumping of Radioactive Materials (Maritime Area) from 27 August 1997 to December 1999. The holding of particular legal qualifications or experience was not a requirement for the position and no remuneration was paid.

In addition, Ms Sinead McSweeney, BL, was special adviser to my predecessor, Dr. Michael Woods from 3 July 1997 to 17 July 1998. She received a total remuneration of €48,840.88 over this period. Legal qualifications and experience were not a requirement.

My Department has also availed from time to time of professional legal services in connection with the preparation of legislation.