Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 September 2022
22. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the recruitment of board members for the maritime area regulatory authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46889/22]
View answerIn advance of the establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) in early 2023, the MARA Establishment Unit in my Department has been progressing work in respect of the appointment of a Chair, and ordinary members, to the Board of the new agency.
The MARA Board will consist of a Chairperson and ordinary members as follows:
(i) an officer of my Department;
(ii) an officer of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications;
(iii) an officer of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform;
(iv) a representative of the County and City Management Association;
(v) up to six other persons (if any).
I am pleased to say that the process to recruit the Chairperson and the six ordinary members is underway. This open and transparent process, which is being managed by the State Boards Division of the Public Appointments Service, commenced on 12 September. The Vacancy Notice and Information Booklet for these positions is currently live on the State Boards website (www.stateboards.ie) and the closing date for Submission of Expressions of Interest is Monday, 3 October 2022.
In addition, relevant Ministers and the CCMA will be invited to submit suitable nominees for the board in accordance with the establishing legislation.
Filling these positions on the Board is a critical step towards implementing the programme of work to get the new maritime consenting regime up and running. During this period of great change in how the State manages its maritime space, MARA will have a key role to play. It is important that the Board provides effective leadership and strategic vision to the organisation, and that it works collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders across the public sector, industry and the wider public.
