asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the names of the present members of the E.S.B. the dates of their appointments and the periods for which they were appointed; further, if he will indicate in respect of any member whether such member has any financial interest in any commercial undertaking which is a supplier of goods and/or equipment to the board, or obtains bulk supplies of electricity at special contract rates from the board.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - E.S.B. Personnel.
The present appointment of Mr. R.F. Browne as chairman of the E.S.B. was made on 29th April, 1952, for the period of five years ending on 30th April, 1957; the present appointments of the other members of the board, namely, Messrs. James M. Fay, T.A. McLaughlin, J.P. Digby, Henry Kennedy, T. McMahon and J.A. Ryan, were made on the 28th April, 1953, for a period of four years ending on 30th April, 1957.
With regard to the latter part of the Deputy's question, I am informed by the board that it is not aware of any member's financial interest in any commercial undertaking of the nature referred to.
I think I should, in connection with this question, draw the Deputy's attention to the terms of the relevant statutory provisions, particularly Sections 2, 10, 11, 59 (sub-sections (1) and (5), and 93 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1927.
My question was not directed to the board but to the Minister who makes the appointment. I would suggest that there is an obligation on the Minister in making such appointments to have regard to what is the recognised factor of public policy both in regard to local authorities and this House. I submit that in regard to boards of this kind it is not desirable, if such were the case, that members of the board would have any financial interest in concerns with which they would be connected. I suggest it is the Minister's obligation to be sure and not the board's.
These appointments were not made by me but no matter whom they were made by there is an obligation on the members concerned to have regard to the relevant provisions of the Electricity Supply Act, 1927, which indicates the course of conduct which they should pursue in the event of their association with other companies impacting on their duties as directors of the E.S.B. I assume that the directors, being aware of these particular sections, have taken the necessary steps to comply with the provisions of the statute. If they have not done so, the matter can be examined.