I propose to take Questions Nos. 665, 667 and 669 together.
For appointment to a State Board, candidates must have a range of general competencies in order to carry out their role effectively. These would include experience of good corporate governance, a good track record of working with teams or committees, analytical and strategic management capacity, a working understanding of financial planning service planning budgets and financial management. In addition specific competencies or qualifications may be required for each agency. For appointments through the Public Appointments Service a questionnaire is devised to elicit the competencies of prospective candidates. The suitability of applicants is assessed against these criteria and a short-list is compiled from which I may make appointments. Appointments may not necessarily be from one of the applications received through the advertising process.
In relation to Questions Nos. 665 and 669, the additional information requested is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available. I, as Minister for Health, have no involvement in appointments to either State owned banks or the Judiciary.