I propose to take Questions Nos. 446 to 448, inclusive, together.
In response to the Deputy’s questions I can confirm the following in respect of the Boards under the remit of my Department:
Outside Appointments Board
The Outside Appointments Board (OAB) is an independent body established in 2005 under the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour. The Board is comprised of the Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach, and three non-civil servant members, one of whom acts as Chairman. There is 1 vacancy at present for a non-civil servant member. The two Secretaries General are not paid fees for membership of the OAB. Since 2012, the non-civil servant members also are not paid fees or annual allowances. There is no statutory provision providing for the making of such appointments. It is not anticipated that any vacancies will arise in the next six months
Public Appointments Service
The Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act, 2004 states that I as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in consultation with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, the Minister for Health and the Minister for Justice and Equality should appoint members of the Board of the Public Appointments Service. The Board is meant to be representative of our client base. The majority of the board is therefore civil or public servants, nominated by the relevant Minister. The Chairman is paid €11,970 p.a and three board members are paid €7,695 each p.a. There are no vacancies anticipated in the next six months on the PAS Board.
An Post National Lottery Company
The statutory provision providing for the making of appointments to the Board of the National Lottery is the National Lottery Act 1986, Section 14. The Annual Allowance payable to ordinary Members (excluding An Post/ National Lottery Company personnel) is €12,600 per annum As the Chairperson is the CEO of An Post no fee is payable. The current National Lottery license is due to expire in 2013.