Appointments to State Boards

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 November 2013

Tuesday, 12 November 2013

Questions (243)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

243. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the role he has in the appointment of members to the board of EirGrid, including the appointment of the chairperson and directors of the board; the appointments he has made to the board of EirGrid since he assumed office; the criteria employed to select members of the board; if his attention has been drawn to any changes in board membership to date in 2013; when he will be appointing new directors and-or chairperson to the board of EirGrid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47775/13]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The Members of the Board of EirGrid, and the Chairperson of the Board, are appointed by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Such appointments are made under Statutory Instrument No. 445 of 2000.

This Government has made changes in relation to appointments to State Boards and bodies with new arrangements involving advertisement of vacancies for applications from suitably qualified candidates and, in accordance with the Government Decision of 12 April 2011, Expressions of Interest have been invited from persons wishing to be considered for appointment to vacancies on State Boards under the aegis of this Department. This information has been used to inform decisions for appointments to State Boards.

The following appointments were made to the EirGrid Board since March 2011:

Dr Gary Healy 15/09/2011

Ms Regina Moran 15/09/2011

Mr Liam O’Halloran 15/09/2011

Ms Bride Rosney 15/09/2011

Ms Doireann Barry 22/12/2011

Mr Fintan Slye 17/07/2013

A new Chairperson will be appointed in the usual way in due course. New directors will be appointed when vacancies arise.