asked the Minister for Agriculture what procedure is carried out by Bord na gCon when recruiting staff; if candidates are subjected to examination; and how prospective candidates are made aware of vacancies on the staff of the Board.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord na gCon Staff Recruitment.
12.
I have no function in relation to the recruitment of staff by Bord na gCon other than the post of chief officer, in which case my sanction is required to any appointment to the post during the period of five years from the establishment of the Board. The chief officer since the Board was established is an officer of my Department seconded at the Board's request.
Is the Minister aware that on 20th February, an advertisement appeared in the "Situations Vacant" column of the Irish Independent inviting applications for positions as part-time managers? That advertisement appeared over a box number and it has since transpired that that is the manner in which Bord na gCon are recruiting their staff.
The Minister is aware that this House gave to the Board responsibility for making these appointments. The Board is composed of six individuals, three of whom must be members of the controlling council of the Irish Coursing Club. Surely a Board of six members with a chairman, representative of the industry, should know how to make the appointments they are required to make?
Would the Minister consider that this being a State body, the advertisement should have appeared over the name of Bord na gCon?
It is no concern of mine how it appeared. I say that the responsibility was placed by this House on the Board, composed in that way, to make these appointments and I am sure the Board are quite capable of doing so.
Is it not obvious that the Board are not carrying out their duties in an honest and responsible manner?
Nothing of the kind. They are carrying out their functions with integrity.