Timmy Dooley
Ceist:
147
Deputy Timmy Dooley
asked the
Taoiseach
the appointments made by him to State boards under the remit of his Department since March 2011 that were advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24252/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra
The Taoiseach: The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) is an advisory Council which provides guidance to Government on strategic issues for Ireland’s economic and social development. Appointments to the Council are made in accordance with the provisions of the National Economic and Social Development Office Act 2006 as amended by the National Economic and Social Council (Alteration of Composition) Order 2010. I appoint members specifically on the basis of nominations from business and employer interests, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, farming and agricultural interests, the community and voluntary sector and the environmental sector. It would not be appropriate to advertise these positions as they are nominated in a representative capacity. I may also appoint up to six public servants of whom at least one shall represent the Taoiseach and one shall represent the Minister for Finance. Historically, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson posts are filled from my Department at Secretary General and Assistant Secretary level.
These appointments represent relevant Departments to ensure the Council's work is integrated with Government policy-making and would not be suitable for public advertisement.
Finally, a number of independents were appointed in June and July last year. The independent nominations to NESC were not advertised last year, as I was satisfied with the quality of nominees which had already been identified, mainly from the academic sector. However it may be appropriate to advertise the positions in the future. I am satisfied that these appointments were appropriate, bearing in mind the key strategic role of the NESC.
