Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2014
345. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the process used to recruit and appoint the interim board for the University of Limerick Hospital; the process to be used to appoint the final board; the number of positions; the terms of appointment; the remuneration of each position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36573/14]
View answerIn May 2012, Professor Niall O'Higgins was appointed as chair of the Mid Western Regional Hospital Group, now the University of Limerick Hospitals Group (ULHG). In January and February 2013, a further six members were appointed to the Board. The term of each appointment is three years.
The HIQA Tallaght Report recommended that boards should be of a sufficient size (up to a maximum of 12), and expertise to effectively govern the organisation. Following the publication of the Hospitals Group Report in May 2013, my Department, in consultation with the HSE and HIQA, developed a competency framework for hospital group boards. An assessment of the ULHG Board, against the competency framework, identified two areas which could be strengthened, in legal compliance/due diligence and corporate risk. This matter will be addressed through additional appointments to the Board. The Public Appointments Service advertised earlier this year for applicants with specific expertise in these areas and applications are currently being considered.
There is no remuneration for acting as a member of the Board. Travel and subsistence allowances, however, are paid in line with Government guidelines.
