The three current vacancies and an anticipated upcoming vacancy on the Board of EirGrid will be filled in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 445 of 2000) and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards published in November 2014. In line with the Guidelines, the vacancies will shortly be publically advertised on the websites of the Public Appointments Service (PAS), EirGrid and my own Department. Following receipt of applications an assessment process will be undertaken and a shortlist of candidates provided to me for consideration. It is my intention to fill the vacancies as soon as possible after the shortlist of candidates is provided to me.