The five statutory agencies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Pensions Board, the Combat Poverty Agency, Comhairle, the Social Welfare Tribunal and the Family Support Agency.
The Pensions Board was established under the Pensions Act 1990 and has the general function of monitoring and supervising the operation of the Pensions Act and pensions developments generally. I have made no appointments to the 17 member Pensions Board since 6 June 2002. Vacancies on the board are not due to occur until 2005. At that time, I will, with the consent of my colleague, the Minister for Finance, appoint a new board.
I appointed the Pensions Ombudsman from 28 April 2003. This appointment was made on foot of an open competition undertaken by the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission.