Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 April 2004
395 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if representatives from the community and voluntary sector will continue to sit on the board of ADM in view of the recent report by consultants (details supplied) on the working of the company; if not, the reason therefor; and the persons who will replace these board members. [10730/04]
View answer396 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he plans to ensure the continuance of community representation on local development groups and boards; and if not, if he intends to replace it with Government nominees. [10731/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 395 and 396 together.
As mentioned in my reply to Questions Nos. 100 and 102 on 9 March, the report on ADM to which the Deputy refers noted the context in which ADM operates and how it has changed significantly since its inception, in particular, a shift from EU to Exchequer funding. It also identified accountability issues arising from current structures. The report is available on my Department's website.
I also indicated that the Government accepted the broad thrust of the report. ADM should be restructured to better reflect the context and priorities that now obtain, including the appointment of the chair and members of the board. I do not wish to pre-empt the Government's consideration of the matter. However, people should have relevant experience or competencies and should not be selected to represent sectoral interests. Of course persons involved in the community and voluntary sector would not be precluded from being appointed by Government.
At present I have no plans to change the selection procedures for members of local and community development bodies. The Government accepts that their hard work deserves the highest regard. I have already signalled to the House that it may be desirable to strengthen the democratic accountability of agencies and service providers in the area.
