Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 July 2014
450. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he is concerned by the number of appointments to State boards under his remit that do not go through the Public Appointments Commission; his plans to review the manner in which State board members are appointed to ensure that the most suitably qualified persons fill vacancies that arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30804/14]
View answerIn line with Government Decision S180/20/10/14234 of 2011, relating to the advertising for expressions of interest in vacancies on State Boards, my Department currently advertises for Board vacancies as they arise, where I, as Minister for Health, have nominating rights. Competencies are developed and agreed in conjunction with relevant Boards, depending on their requirements. 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, which is also in line with the Government Decisions.
Boards need a broad range of competencies in order to function effectively. My Department has developed a protocol for the filling of vacancies on boards, which involves the advertising of posts through PAS, taking account of the specific competencies and skills required in each case, and this has been circulated to Departmental officials who are responsible for the governance of boards. To date my Department has posted over 30 notices for expressions of interest to State boards on its website or through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and this process will continue as a way of ensuring the best mix of skills and experience both from public and private sectors is available to our Boards.
I am confident that the appointments made by me are contributing in a meaningful way to the important work undertaken by the various State bodies under the aegis of my Department.
