I propose to take Questions Nos. 806 to 808, inclusive, together.
The Board of the IBTS shall consist of 12 members, one of whom shall be Chairperson. The term of office of the Chairperson and 8 members of the Board expired on 31 May 2012. These vacancies were advertised and expressions of interest sought through the Public Appointments Service and on the Department of Health's website on 13 April 2012. I have appointed a new Chairperson and 3 ordinary members to the Board (which includes one re-appointment). There are 3 ordinary members already on the Board.
I am conscious that the Chairperson has yet to appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Health to discuss the approach which he will take to his role as chairperson and his views about the future contribution of the Board. I have the greatest of confidence in the new Chairperson and will request that he meets the Oireachtas Committee in the coming months to brief it on the activities of the Board and the strategic role which the IBTS plays within the health system. I am aware of the issue in relation to the retention of corporate knowledge on the Board and wish to ensure that the five remaining members to be appointed bring the requisite skills and expertise to the Board. I intend to fill these vacancies shortly.