Vol. 573 No. 2
65 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason there is not a single representative from an EU country besides Ireland on the board of Science Foundation Ireland; and if there are plans to appoint one. [21547/03]
Appointments to the board of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) are made on the basis of the relevant experience and skills of the individuals concerned. The issue of the geographical spread of membership is also taken into consideration.
In the context of EU representation on the board, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have recently appointed a representative from the United Kingdom to fill a vacancy arising on the board of the foundation. I believe the SFI board to be a well-balanced board whose composition and range of expertise aligns well with the mission of SFI.
