asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will indicate the changes, if any, in the composition of State boards under the aegis of his Department since 14th March, 1973.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State Boards' Composition.
9.
The information is in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
|
Board |
Appointments Expired on |
New Appointments |
|
British and Irish Steampacket Co. Ltd. |
Dr. J. Greene—31st March, 1973.Mr. P. H. Greer—31st March, 1973. |
Mr. T.J. MaherMr. D. Ó Buachalla. |
|
Electricity Supply Board |
Vacancy—since February, 1968Vacancy—since February, 1969 |
Mrs. Barbara Sweetman.Mr. R. Connolly. |
|
Irish Shipping Ltd |
Mr. D. Barnes—13th June, 1973. |
Mr. Redmond Gallagher. |
|
Bord na Móna |
Mr. H. Flinn—20th June, 1973 |
Vacancy. |
|
Bord Fáilte Éireann |
Mr. B. O'Regan, Chairman—30th June, 1973. |
Commander W. L. Stephens. |
|
Mr. J.F. Dempsey—30th June, 1973 |
Mr. J.P. Costelloe. |
|
|
Mrs. C. Dunne—30th June, 1973 |
Mrs. N. Fitzgerald. |
|
|
(Mr. P. V. Doyle whose appointment was renewed was appointed Chairman). |
Will the Minister indicate the number of new appointments in the period in question?
Eight.
Does the Minister accept that many of these appointments could have been filled by the previous Government before leaving office? With regard to an appointment in Bord Fáilte, is it not a fact that there was a recommendation, which I presume is still on the Minister's file, and a decision taken by me that Commander Stephens should be invited to join the board——
The Deputy is broadening the scope of the question.
Does the Minister accept that the decision to invite Commander Stephens to join the board had been taken by his predecessor——
The Chair would prefer that personalities would not be brought into this matter.
It has been interpreted as an indication of the new Government's policy in the matter, apparently by way of contrast with the attitude of the previous Government. Having regard to the vacancies that have been filled on the ESB and, presumably the advice that was available to him, does the Minister think it desirable that the farming community in particular are not represented on the ESB?
The Deputy is making a very long statement. This is not appropriate at Question Time. The Deputy must ask a specific question and it must be brief.
Does the Minister not think it desirable to appoint on the ESB a member of the farming community? There is no representative of that sector on the board at present; in fact, all the members are Dublin-based. Further, does the Minister accept what I said about the appointment of Commander Stephens to Bord Fáilte?
Yes, I do. I am pleased the Deputy had the foresight to appoint Commander Stephens to the board. It was a wise move and I endorse it. However, if he wants to take credit for the appointment of Commander Stephens he must take the blame for allowing two vacancies to exist on the Electricity Supply Board, one since February, 1968, and the other since February, 1969. If he was so concerned about getting a member of the farming community on the board he could have done it at any time in the last three years.
I am calling Question No. 10. We cannot debate this subject all afternoon.
The Committee of Public Accounts have indicated their concern that the affairs of State boards are not normally open for discussion here. The only way we can raise the matter is on the Minister's Vote——
I would ask the Deputy to ask a final supplementary question. The Chair wishes to take Question No. 10.
I take it, from what the Minister has said that he accepts that the previous Government, neither in my time nor previously, rushed to fill vacancies that might have been filled?
The complaint I would have is that the last Government were extremely tardy in filling vacancies because one remained unfilled for five years and another for four years.
We did not appoint the chairman of any political party to any such position.
I am calling Question No. 10.