Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 January 2013
96. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide in tabular form the number of organisations or agencies under the aegis of her Department that have vacancies on their board; the length of time any such vacancies have been unfilled; the number of vacancies that have been advertised; the number of applications to fill such vacancies that have been received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4865/13]
View answerThe statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Board, the Pensions Ombudsman (which does not have a board) and the Social Welfare Tribunal. The Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Board have unfilled vacancies on their boards. The information sought is set out in the following table.
|
PQ 4865/13 |
Citizens Information Board |
Pensions Board |
|
Board vacancies |
2 |
2 |
|
Length of time vacancies unfilled |
2 since 30 March 2012 |
1 since December 2010 1 since December 2011 |
|
Number of vacancies advertised |
0 |
0 |
|
Number of applications to fill vacancies |
0 |
0 |
Citizens Information Board
Arrangements are being made to seek public expressions of interest in the board vacancies which will be filled in accordance with the procedures for appointment to State boards and bodies agreed by Government in May 2011.
Pensions Board
The Public Service Reform Programme provides for a critical review of the Pensions Board with a view to integrating the regulatory functions of the Pensions Board with the Financial Regulator. The Public Service Reform Programme also provides for a critical review of the Pensions Ombudsman with a view to a merger with the Financial Services Ombudsman. The Group established to carry out the reviews announced under the Public Service Reform Programme is finalising a draft report with recommendations. The report will identify any potential savings arising from such an amalgamation. The final report from the Group is expected to be available in the very near future. Following receipt of this report, decisions in relation to reform, including the filling of vacancies will be taken.
