asked the Minister for Local Government if the Directors of the National Building Agency Limited act on his direction, or whether they act independently as the Directors of such Company.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Building Agency Limited.
52.
The Directors of the National Building Agency Limited in whom the management of the business of the company is vested by the Articles of Association, are not subject to my direction in the carrying out of the business of the company.
The Articles of Association, however, provide that the appointment and removal of directors and certain other matters related to the control and financing of the company are to be determined by me or are subject to my consent either after consultation with or with the consent of the Minister for Finance.
Does the Minister appoint officials of the company or are the directors free to appoint whom they like as officials?
The directors appoint their staff.
Could the Minister then inform the House why he has written to certain Deputies or, at least, to a Deputy of his Party saying that he is prepared to accept suggestions for the appointment of a certain official of the company?
What I write to Deputies, or to anybody else, is not a matter for discussion with Deputy Sweetman.
No; but, as the Minister takes that attitude, may I inform the Taoiseach that the Minister for Local Government is purporting to use this company as a means of Fianna Fáil patronage? I shall send the Taoiseach a photostatic copy of the letter in question.
That will break my heart.