Appointments to State Boards.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 March 2006

Wednesday, 1 March 2006

Questions (38)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

47 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on whether it is desirable that the chairperson of Bord na gCon should be appointed for an indefinite period; if there is any other board or body within the remit of his Department in respect of which the chairman is appointed for an indefinite period; if he intends to introduce an amendment to the legislation to deal with this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8181/06]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

The current legislative position relating to the appointment of the chairman of Bord na gCon is set out at section 8 of the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. That section states that the chairman shall hold office at the pleasure of the Minister. There is no other State board or body under the remit of my Department in respect of which the chairman is appointed for an indefinite period.

On 31 January 2006, I requested Mr. Tim Dalton, former Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to carry out an independent assessment into issues, inter alia, relating to corporate governance in Bord na gCon. I expect to receive Mr. Dalton’s report in a matter in a matter of weeks and I intend to give immediate consideration to his recommendations.

Pending receipt of his report, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any of the issues currently under investigation by him.