Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
651. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if any person can apply for a position (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19879/21]
View answerAs Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, I have responsibility for the Corporate Governance of 21 State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, including Board appointments. You may wish to note that information in respect of the membership of these State Boards and others, is available from www.StateBoards.ie
The majority of Board vacancies are filled using the Public Appointments Services (PAS) process to identify suitably qualified candidates, which has been in place since 2014. For example, PAS cite the following in relation to eligibility -
‘Eligibility
Applications are welcome from people who believe they have the relevant skills and experience to join a State Board, barring any disqualifications that may apply under legislative provision. Certain of these provisions are outlined in the Companies Act, 2014 and the Company Law Enforcement Act, 2001.’ …
Applicants should also be conscious of the fact that the One Person One Salary (OPOS) principal may apply. The OPOS principal states that public servants and public sector employees (with the exception of certain worker Directors of commercial State bodies only) who sit on State Boards may not be paid Board fees.
In certain circumstances, the Joint Oireachtas Committee (JOC), submit nominees to me for my consideration and for subsequent Government approval in respect of Board appointments in the broadcasting and media sector and I understand that the JOC receive support from PAS during this process.
Consequently, anyone can apply to be a Board member under the PAS rules and procedures. More information on eligibility to State Boards can be found in the attached link. (http://www.stateboards.ie/stateboards/about.htm)
There are a number of exceptions where the PAS process is not applicable;
- Reappointments in line with section 9.1.5. of the Guidelines for Appointments to State Boards;
- Nominations by a third party organisation (i.e. County Councils, RDS & RHA);
- Ex-officio Appointments;
- Nominations approved by the North-South Ministerial Council.
