All appointments made to boards of bodies under the aegis of my Department are made on the basis of qualifications and suitability to carry out the tasks required as a sitting board member. The Merc Partners survey gives an insight into some of the reasons =some private sector executives would not be interested in applying for positions on State Boards. It is the Government's task to change these negative views and to highlight the benefits that come from having suitably qualified people serving on State Boards. It is also the Government's policy to encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for positions on State Boards.