Appointments to State Boards

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Questions (514, 517)

Michael Ring

Question:

514. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if all vacancies (details supplied) are advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19814/21]

Michael Ring

Question:

517. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if any person can apply for a position (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19869/21]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 517 together.

The State Boards under the remit of my Department are the Central Bank Commission, the Credit Union Restructuring Board, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, Home Building Finance Ireland, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, the National Asset Management Agency, the National Treasury Management Agency and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland. It should be noted that having concluded its restructuring work in 2017, the Credit Union Restructuring Board was operationally wound down in 2017 and is awaiting formal dissolution. No further appointments will be made to this State Board.

In 2011, the Government introduced new arrangements to increase openness and transparency in the selection of appointees to State Boards. Following a Government Decision in 2014, substantial reforms to the existing appointments system to State Boards were introduced. In November 2014, the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform published guidelines for appointments to State Boards which set out requirements which would apply to all State Board appointments. Among the objectives underlying this reform of the appointments system is to increase access and widen the pool from which potential appointees to State Boards are drawn.

Other than the appointment of members on an ex-officio basis , positions on the State Boards under the aegis of my Department are advertised on the State Boards website and appointments are made in accordance with the 2014 guidelines for appointments to State Boards.

While particular requirements apply in relation to the desirable composition of each individual State Board in terms of knowledge, skills and experience of its members, all suitable and competent individuals can apply for a position on a State Board under the aegis of my Department.