Olwyn Enright
Ceist:104 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance his views on a procedure whereby appointments to State boards would be referred to the appropriate Oireachtas committee before confirmation in their positions. [21340/02]
Vol. 557 No. 1
104 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance his views on a procedure whereby appointments to State boards would be referred to the appropriate Oireachtas committee before confirmation in their positions. [21340/02]
The arrangements for the composition and appointments to the boards of State bodies are normally set out in the legislation establishing the bodies in question. These arrangements are designed to ensure the efficient management of the individual bodies. Generally, appointments to the boards are made by the Minister with responsibility for the body in question, subject to the consent of the Minister for Finance.
In making appointments, Ministers must take account of any specific legislative or policy requirements such as those contained in the Workers Participation (State Enterprises) Acts or the Government's policy in relation to gender balance on the boards of State bodies. Typically, Ministers seek to ensure that a selection of people are appointed who will bring a diverse range of relevant skills and experiences to the body. Where appropriate, Ministers may also place a value on having representation from the different strands of society such as the business community, consumers, trade unions or the other social partner groups.