Michael Ring
Question:71 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance his views on a procedure whereby appointments to State boards would be referred to the appropriate Oireachtas committee before confirmation in their positions. [9669/03]
Written Answers - Ministerial Appointments.
The arrangements for appointments to the boards of State bodies are normally set out in the legislation establishing the bodies in question and are designed to ensure the efficient management of the organisation. Appointments to the boards are generally made by the Minister with responsibility for the body in question, subject to the consent of the Minister for Finance.
In making appointments, Ministers seek to ensure that the people appointed bring a diverse range of relevant skills and experiences to the body. Ministers also take account of any specific legislative or policy requirements such as those contained in the Workers Participation (State Enterprises) Acts or the Government's policy on gender balance on the boards of State bodies.
Where appropriate, Ministers may also consider representation from the different strands of society such as the business community, consumers, trades unions or the other social partners.
I am happy that the present arrangements are working well and that people with the required skills and experience are appointed to State boards. I have no plans at present to introduce a procedure whereby appointments to State boards would be referred to the appropriate Oireachtas committee before confirmation in their positions. The existing arrangements follow the practice of previous Governments.