Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 28 May 1992

Vol. 420 No. 5

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - State Agency Appointments.

John Bruton

Ceist:

18 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the persons he or his predecessor has appointed to boards of State agencies since the terms of the review of the Joint Programme for Government was agreed on 18 October 1991; if he will outline, in respect of each such appointee, whether he/she has made and signed a declaration in respect of any interests relevant to their membership of such bodies; and if so, where such declaration may be inspected by members of the public.

Mr. Walsh

Since October 1991, when the terms of the review of the Joint Programme for Government were agreed, the following appointments have been made to the boards of two of the State bodies under the aegis of my Department. To the board of Teagasc, Professor Charles Daly was appointed on 26 February 1992 and Mrs. Mary Walsh was appointed on 26 February 1992. To Coras Beostoic agus Feola, were appointed: Mr. Philip Lynch, the chairman, on 27 February 1992; Mr. Edmund Sullivan on 27 February 1992; Mr. Dan Browne on 3 March 1992; Mr. Edward Power on 3 March 1992; Mr. John Elmore on 3 March 1992; Mr. Michael Reilly on 3 March 1992.

In October 1991 all board members of Teagasc signed an undertaking to the effect that should any conflict of interest arise in the course of their duties they would immediately advise the board. At present there is no facility for inspection of these undertakings by members of the public.

In the case of CBF, arrangements are in train for the completion of a declaration of interests by each board member. However, such arrangements are not yet finalised.

Mr. McCormack

As there is no inspection procedure in place, how does one determine whether the terms of reference or the agreements entered into by those people are adhered to? Members of State boards who offer themselves as candidates for the Dáil or Seanad are obliged to resign immediately from the State board — just to be a candidate. The same kind of procedures should apply to other members of boards.

Mr. Walsh

Board members signed an undertaking that should any conflict of interests arise in the course of their duties they would advise the board itself and they have a responsibility to do that. We are particularly lucky in this country that we have very reputable people serving on our boards — they are not remunerated terribly well.

Mr. Ferris

Eighty per cent of the time.

Mr. Walsh

I certainly welcome the professional people who have agreed to serve on boards.