Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2012
375 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Social Protection the names of all appointments made to State boards under her remit; the boards to which they were appointed since March 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32247/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe three statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Social Welfare Tribunal, the Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Board. In addition, the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman (which does not have a board) comes under the remit of the Department.
Social Welfare Tribunal
The Tribunal consists of a Chairman and four ordinary members, two on the nomination of Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and two nominated by Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC). There has been one appointment made to the Tribunal since March 2011. One of ICTU members resigned in 2011 and on the nomination of ICTU a replacement member, Ms Chris Rowland, was appointed by me from 24 October 2011.
Citizens Information Board
I have made two appointments to the Citizens Information Board since coming into office. Mr. Eugene McErlean was appointed with effect from 7 September 2011. This followed my public request for expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals announced in July 2011. On 1 November 2011, I appointed Ms Fiona Ward as the Department's representative on the board.
Pensions Board
I have not made any appointments to The Pensions Board. A new Board was appointed on 21st December 2010 for a period of five years. There are currently two vacancies on the Pensions Board. According to Section 23 of The Pensions Act 1990 as amended, the Board may act notwithstanding one or more than one vacancy among its members.
