Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 December 2014
293. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of State board appointments that have been made under the aegis of his Department in 2014 without being advertised; the number that have been made of persons who had not formally applied for consideration of the particular appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46540/14]
View answerSince May 2011, a notification has been placed on my Department’s website inviting expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the boards of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department. Persons expressing an interest in being appointed to such positions are considered in the normal appointments process. Applicants may express interest in more than one board and all expressions of interest lapse at the end of each calendar year. To date in 2014 32 appointments and 2 re-appointments have been made. Of these 32 new appointments; 9 appointments were made from expressions of interest, 6 were nominations from prescribed bodies, 3 were Ministerial appointments, 2 were nominations from other Ministers, 1 was a representative from this Department, 1 was a workers representative, and 10 were elected to the board in question. In making any board appointments, I am not necessarily confined to those who make such expressions of interest but ensure that all of those appointed have the relevant mix of knowledge and expertise to contribute to the relevant board.
In the case of the Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board, Bord Bia, Teagasc, National Milk Agency, Veterinary Council of Ireland and Horse Racing Ireland board appointments, while made by me, are not at my sole discretion in that individuals are nominated for appointment by me as specified in the relevant statute.
In line with the Government decision of 25 November, 2014 my Department is making the necessary arrangements to implement the ‘Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards’.
