Tuesday, 14 Oct 2014

Written Answers Nos. 55-65

Pensions Levy

Ceisteanna (55)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

55. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the pension levy; when this temporary measure will terminate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38968/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

The position in this matter is that I announced in my Budget 2014 speech that the 0.6% Pension Fund Levy introduced to fund the Jobs Initiative in 2011 would be abolished after this year. I did, however, introduce an additional levy on pension fund assets at a rate of 0.15% for 2014 and 2015. I did this to continue to help fund the Jobs Initiative and also to help make provision for potential State liabilities which may emerge from difficulties facing pension funds.

The abolition of the 0.6% levy after this year and the application of the 0.15% levy for this year and next are reflected in the Finance (No 2) Act 2013 legislation which gave legal effect to these Budget 2014 announcements.

Fuel Laundering

Ceisteanna (56)

Michelle Mulherin

Ceist:

56. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Finance further to the Topical Issue on the problem of the considerable volume of cases of petrol stretching in the County Mayo area in the past couple of months of 18 September 2014, if he will confirm that he has taken up the issue of financial redress for victims whose car engines have been destroyed on account of contaminated fuel with the motor insurance industry with a view to setting up a compensation fund and also to ensure insurance companies are not slow in honouring their commitments in motor insurance policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38981/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for tackling fuel fraud, that they are very aware of the risks posed to consumers' vehicles, legitimate businesses and the exchequer by all forms of such fraud. Revenue has made great progress in tackling the problem of diesel laundering over the past three years, and reports now indicate the emergence of another form of fuel fraud, commonly referred to as petrol stretching. This involves the illegal addition of a low tax commodity to petrol to defraud the exchequer and the motorist.

Petrol stretching is an offence under section 102 (IA) of the Finance Act 1999. It carries a penalty on summary conviction of a fine of €5,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months, or both a fine and imprisonment. Where conviction occurs on indictment, a fine of up to €126,970, or a term  of imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both a fine and imprisonment, may be imposed. Revenue will investigate any reports of illegal activity in this area and pursue prosecutions where possible.

I would like to advise the Deputy that the first point of contact for motorists whose vehicles have been affected by petrol stretching should be the insurance companies they hold their policies with.  Further to that, those affected should also contact the point of purchase and seek redress through them.  If they remain unsatisfied they may have recourse to civil remedies and as such could seek legal advice.

Tax Reliefs Application

Ceisteanna (57)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

57. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the issues raised (details supplied) in relation to the graduate entry medicine loan relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39013/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I have considered the proposed introduction of a tax relief for Graduate Entry Medicine loans and I do not consider that the tax system is the appropriate way to address the affordability of the GEM programme.

The affordability and funding of undergraduate medical education is in the first instance a matter for the Department of Education and Skills, having due regard to the needs and requirements of the health system for medical practitioners.

The Department of Health's current focus in relation to the recruitment and retention of medical practitioners is on implementation of the recommendations of the Strategic Review of Medical Training and Career Structure, completed earlier this year. The Strategic Review reports address a range of barriers and issues relating to the recruitment and retention of doctors in the Irish public health system, and offer solutions and recommendations that will enable the State to build a sustainable medical workforce for the future.

Banking Sector Remuneration

Ceisteanna (58)

Derek Nolan

Ceist:

58. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Finance if he will itemise bonuses and their amounts awarded to bank staff working in the nationalised banks for the year 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39037/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

As the Deputy will be aware, this Government's policy with respect to banking remuneration has been in place since mid-2011. In summary, remuneration is capped at €500,000 (excluding normal pension entitlements) and the payment of bonuses is not permitted. As a result, there have been no bonuses paid to banking staff in the nationalised banks this year.

Financial Services Ombudsman Data

Ceisteanna (59)

Derek Nolan

Ceist:

59. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Finance if he will itemise the number of complaints the Financial Services Ombudsman dealt with in 2013; the number that were resolved successfully; the number of complaints that were found to be of no merit; the number of decisions that were appealed to the courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39046/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

Firstly, I must point out that the Financial Services Ombudsman is independent in the carrying out of his duties.  I have no role in the day to day workings of the office.

However, the Financial Services Ombudsman has informed me that the information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

Total Number of New  Complaints Received 2013	Number of Complaints Resolved/Findings issued	Complaints concluded during 2013	Number of Complaints Appealed to the High Court
7,722	4,093 Upheld 202 Partly Upheld 472 Not Upheld 2,309 Settled prior to findings issued 1110	8,641 Resolved/Findings issued 4,093 Complaints closed by mediation 6 Complaints closed due to - no further contact/referral to advisory/outside jurisdiction 4,542	30

I have been further advised by the Financial Services Ombudsman Bureau that it does not categorise complaints under the heading of "no merit".

Tax Compliance

Ceisteanna (60)

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

60. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding tax compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39143/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that it monitors the tax compliance status of both resident and non-resident contractors through a number of different programmes including the administration of tax clearance and the operation of electronic Relevant Contracts Tax (eRCT).

Revenue administers the general scheme of tax clearance certification in accordance with Section 1095 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Section 1095 (3) provides that Revenue will issue a tax clearance certificate where a person or business is in compliance with all obligations to pay taxes, interest and penalties that are due to the State under the Acts and to file any tax returns that are required to be made.

The purpose of the tax clearance scheme is to ensure that businesses (residents and non-residents) that derive an economic benefit from the State are in compliance with their tax obligations to the State. Such tax clearance certification is required for Public Sector Contracts, Grant Payments and certain Licence Applications (Section 1094 of the Act).

While the awarding of a State contract is a matter for the relevant State authority, a condition is that the tenderer must have a current tax clearance certificate in respect of Irish tax. Where Revenue issues such a tax clearance certificate it is in respect of Irish tax rather than the tax status of the applicant in its country of residence. However, as part of the validation process for non-resident applicants (including those from Northern Ireland), routine checks are carried out to authenticate the identity of the business/person.

In regard to eRCT, Revenue has advised me that the system operates on a 'deduction at source' basis and applies to payments made under contracts in the construction, meat processing and forestry sectors (including Public Sector construction contracts). The system was introduced in 2012 (replacing the previous paper based system) to bring more control and oversight to construction sector contracts. As part of the process, businesses in receipt of payments made under a contract are, depending on their tax compliance record, assigned a tax deduction rate of 0%, 20% or 35%. For non-resident contractors to qualify for the 0% rate the business must have complied with all of the comparable obligations imposed by the laws of the tax jurisdiction in which the business is tax resident as apply to Irish resident contractors. Where proof of compliance is not received then the business may be assigned to the higher 20% or 35% automatic deduction rates (normally 35% in such circumstances).

I am satisfied that between the administration of tax clearance certification and the operation of eRCT, Revenue has good systems in place to mitigate the potential for tax non-compliance among non-resident businesses operating in the State. However, if the Deputy or the person in question has any knowledge in regard to non-compliance by individual non-resident contractors then that information should be immediately made available to Revenue. 

Revenue Commissioners Audits

Ceisteanna (61)

Brian Walsh

Ceist:

61. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the penalties, interest and surcharges imposed by the Revenue Commissioners in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [39149/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Income Tax returns for the person (details supplied) for the years 2007, 2008 and 2010 were submitted together on 15th November 2012.  Accordingly, all three returns were substantially late (for example, the 2007 return was submitted more than four years after the due date).  Consequently, surcharges totalling €7,072.82 were applied in accordance with S.1084 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997.

The surcharge for the year 2007 is 10% of the gross tax of €32,380.11 and amounts to €3,238.01. The surcharge for the year 2008 is 10% of the gross tax of €27,509.06 and amounts to €2,750.90.

For the year 2010, the surcharge is computed on the gross tax and additional levies.  The surcharge applicable to tax is 10% of the gross tax of €10,426.80 and amounts to €1,042.68. The surcharge in relation to the additional levies is computed on a net basis after deduction of levies paid through the payroll. This surcharge is 10% of the net levies of €412.30 and amounts to € 41.23. The total surcharge for the year 2010 is therefore €1,083.91.

In addition to the surcharges, interest in the amount of €2923.53 is also due.

Mortgage Interest Rates

Ceisteanna (62)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

62. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance in view of the fact that he cannot comment on or become involved in the detailed mortgage position of mortgage holders, his views on regulated banks ignoring the European Central Bank base rate for borrowers, except when it is increased; his further views on whether it is in the national interest for him to continue to be at arms length under the relationship framework, particularly at a time of continuing mortgage distress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39199/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

The Government is acutely aware of the increasing financial stress that some households are facing in the current environment and has numerous policies designed to tackle and alleviate these difficulties. However neither the Central Bank nor the Department of Finance has a statutory function in relation to interest rate decisions made by individual lending institutions at any particular time. Moreover ultimately the pricing of financial products, including  mortgage interest rates, is a commercial matter for the management and the Boards of the banks. The Relationship Frameworks will remain in place as it would be inappropriate for the State, or politicians for that matter, to  intervene directly in the day to day running of these institutions while we retain significant positions of ownership.

I should also point out that while the cost of funds for the Irish banks has come down significantly in the past couple of years, which has been a key objective for my Department, it is still much higher than the ECB base rate. At  a system level, the amount of ECB funding has  also reduced significantly and is a fraction of where it was at the peak of the crisis so the ECB base rate is not the best approximation of the average rate that banks pay for their funding. Finally the banks must ensure that the rate they lend at is economically sustainable and provides a return for the bank and ultimately the State as a shareholder. Without a positive return on their lending, banks would not be capable of maintaining and growing their capital base and thus be in a position to support the economy.

Property Taxation Deferrals

Ceisteanna (63)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

63. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 156 of 7 October 2014, the reason persons (details supplied) in County Leitrim whose sole income is disability allowance and whose sole property is vacant, with no rental income and in negative equity, were not granted a deferral of the property tax. [39235/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I previously set out the criterion required to qualify for deferral of Local Property Tax (LPT) for the Deputy in my reply to Question 37827/14.

By way of reminder to the Deputy, Sections 132 and 133 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) provides for a system of deferral arrangements for residential property owners/occupiers based on certain income thresholds. Normally, a couple whose only income source is a Department of Social Protection (DSP) payment would qualify for such a deferral providing they are occupying the property in question. The Act is very specific in this regard and Revenue has no discretion in the application of the law as set down.

The Deputy will also be aware from my reply to Question 37827/14 that I included a provision in the Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Act 2013 that allows a deferral of the Local Property Tax (LPT) charge that is not restricted to owner-occupiers. This deferral option applies where a property owner suffers an unexpected and unavoidable significant financial loss or expense as a result of which they are unable to pay their LPT, or maintain phased payment arrangements, without causing excessive financial hardship. Claims for this type of deferral require full disclosure to Revenue of the particular loss or expense that resulted in the financial hardship. The submission, which should be completed on the Form 'LPT 2' must also include details of the person's overall financial circumstances. Full information on the conditions and the application process in respect of deferral of LPT on hardship grounds is available on the Revenue website at http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/lpt/deferring-payment.html.

In regard to the specific case to which the Deputy now refers, the persons concerned do not meet the qualifying criteria for the income based deferral as they do not reside in the property in question. However from the information provided by the Deputy they may qualify for a deferral on hardship grounds. Revenue has advised me that the persons in question recently wrote to LPT Branch in regard to possible deferral of their liabilities. LPT Branch replied confirming non-entitlement to deferral based on income but indicating the possibility of deferral based on hardship. LPT Branch also set out the application process including the requirement to file the 2013 LPT Return.

Revenue has confirmed to me that the persons in question have not yet responded to the reply that issued to them in respect of their letter. I would urge the Deputy to advise the persons to engage with LPT Branch as soon as possible, using the direct contact name provided to them, to bring matters to a conclusion and avoid any unnecessary enforcement action that might occur on foot of continued non-engagement.

Tax Reliefs Availability

Ceisteanna (64)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

64. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance his views on the introduction of tax relief for home owners who are liable for both the local property tax and private management fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39242/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

The Government decided that a liability to the Local Property Tax (LPT) should apply to all owners of residential property with a limited number of exemptions.  Limiting the exemptions available allows the rate to be kept low for those liable persons who do not qualify for an exemption. A requirement to pay management fees is not relevant in determining liability to the LPT.

Generally, properties in managed estates, to which such fees apply, would have been purchased by their owners in the knowledge that they would be taking on commitments to partake in and to fund the management of the estate, and that it was the intention that many such estates would not be taken in charge by local authorities, nor would it be appropriate for local authorities to do so.   Management fees in these estates generally relate to the maintenance, upkeep and insurance of private property and may, in some instances, include services such as refuse collection and a sinking fund for certain repairs to the buildings which most residential property owners, who don't pay management fees, also have to meet. The provision of a relief for those who pay management fees without regard to the vast bulk of homeowners who have to meet the cost of similar necessities in respect of their own properties would be inequitable.

Revenue from the LPT accrues to local authorities, and supports the provision of local services.  Local authorities provide a broad range of services in the public realm which benefit the wider community, the proper functioning of which are important for the wellbeing of every community and household.  These include fire and emergency services; road maintenance and cleaning; street lighting; spatial and development planning and other similar services; regulatory and inspection functions and business support services, as well as libraries, parks, and other recreation and cultural public amenities.

I have no plans to introduce a tax relief for homeowners who are liable for both the local property tax and private management fees.

Appointments to State Boards

Ceisteanna (65)

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

65. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of all State board appointments since the 2011 general election; the person who recommended each appointment; the credentials of those appointed; if the vacancy was publicly advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39281/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

The information requested is set out in the following table.

Name	Date Appointed	Recommended	Credentials	Publicly Advertised	Comments
Credit Union Restructuring Board (ReBo)	-	-	-	-	-
Mr  Robert (Bobby) McVeigh Chairman	All members appointed to the board of ReBo with effect from 31 August 2012.	Appointed by the Minister for Finance following advertisement on www.publicjobs.ie Interviewed for the position of Chairman and appointment approved by the Minister	Former Chair of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU). Mr McVeigh has 40 years experience in the international credit union system. He has hands-on experience in the restructuring of the credit union sector in Canada where he chaired a 2-year process associated with restructuring a provincial credit union system. He has a deep understanding of the history of the credit union sector in Ireland and the challenges to be addressed going forward.	All Board posts (13) were advertised on Publicjobs.ie. 6 appointments were made as a result of applications made through the Publicjobs.ie website.
Mr Eoin McGettigan		Appointed by the Minister for Finance following advertisement on www.publicjobs.ie	Mr McGettigan of McGettigan and Associates is a consultant providing strategic advice and practical support to Irish retailers, assisting them in overcoming major business challenges. He has 30 years experience in retail and wholesale businesses both in Ireland and the UK.
Mr Tom Kavanagh (Resigned on 30 June 2014)		Appointed by the Minister for Finance following advertisement on www.publicjobs.ie	Mr Kavanagh is a founding partner of kavanaghfennell and one of Ireland's leading insolvency and forensic accounting experts. He has over 20 years experience in corporate recovery / insolvency and has extensive experience of business analysis. He has been involved in a number of corporate restructuring projects.
Mr Brendan Burke		Appointed by the Minister for Finance following advertisement on www.publicjobs.ie	Mr Burke was Chief Operations Officer with Rabobank in Ireland and in the Netherlands and worked as Chief Operations Officer with Mediobanca in the UK. He has significant experience of business transformation, process re-engineering, start-ups, program management, systems implementation, outsourcing and service centre activities. He is a qualified accountant with many years financial services experience, including cooperative banking in Ireland and abroad. His experience includes retail, corporate and investment banking and fund management.
Ms Kathleen Prendergast		Appointed by the Minister for Finance following advertisement on www.publicjobs.ie	Ms Prendergast has been actively involved for over 20 years as a volunteer in Tipperary Credit Union, serving as its first female President. She has experience in local, national and international credit union business. She is a member of the Board of Social Finance Foundation which is a wholesale provider of repayable loan finance at affordable rates to community-based projects and local development initiatives.
Mr Stephen O'Donovan		Appointed  by the Minister for Finance following advertisement on www.publicjobs.ie	Mr O'Donovan is a Chartered Certified Accountant and has worked for over 20 years in senior advisory, finance and general management roles, in public practice, SMEs and multinational plc environments. He has advised and worked with organisations on business planning, restructuring, corporate governance and change management, and has had significant mergers and acquisitions experience, both in public practice and with a world leading food and ingredients plc.
Mr Joe O'Toole		Appointed by the Minister for Finance as an independent member of the Commission on Credit Unions	Mr O'Toole is a founder member and Director of Comhar Linn, the INTO Credit Union. He spent many years as an independent Senator during which time he introduced credit union reform legislation in the Seanad. He was also a member of the Commission on Credit Unions.
Mr Pat Fay Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU)		Nominated by ILCU at the request of the Minister for Finance	Mr Fay is a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU). He also holds the positions of Director and Chair of the ILCU International Development Foundation Company Limited. He was Chief Operations Officer and head of monitoring of the ILCU where he was responsible for the operational aspects of the League activities and safety and soundness of affiliated credit unions. He has extensive knowledge of international credit union systems and evolution, including UK, USA, Canada and Africa.
Mr Jimmy Johnstone Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU)		Nominated by ILCU at the request of the Minister for Finance	Mr Johnstone has vast credit union experience being a volunteer Director, Supervisor of ASTI Credit Union since 1989. He has served as Credit Union Treasurer and Chairman and as Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) Treasure, Vice-President and President.
Mr Tim Molan Credit Union Managers Association (CUMA)		Nominated by CUMA at the request of the Minister for Finance	Mr Molan has worked in the credit union sector since 1982. He is a professional credit union manager and has been manager of Cashel Credit Union since 1998. He is a member of the National Executive of the Credit Union Managers' Association (CUMA) since 2002. He is also a former member of the Credit Union Advisory Committee (CUAC) and the Commission on Credit Unions.
Mr Kevin Johnson   Credit Union Development Association (CUDA)		Nominated by CUDA at the request of the Minister for Finance	Mr Johnson has been CEO of Credit Union Development Association (CUDA) since 2008. In his time with CUDA he has evolved its business model to now include Representation Services, Strategic Development - to support credit unions effectiveness and efficiency, and Competency Development to enhance the skills of all credit union personnel both volunteers and employees. He contributed to CUDA's input to the Commission on Credit Unions, including representation and participation.
Mr Neil Ryan Assistant Secretary,  Department of Finance		Department of Finance representative	Mr Ryan is Assistant Secretary, Department of Finance. He joined the Department in July 2011.
Ms Elaine Byrne Deputy Head, Registrar of Credit Unions		Nominated by the Central Bank at the request of the Minister for Finance	Ms Byrne is Deputy Head, Registrar of Credit Unions at the Central Bank of Ireland and is a non-voting member on the Board of ReBo.
Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal (IFSAT)	-	-	-	-	-
Name	Date Appointed	Recommended	Credentials	Publicly Advertised	Comments
Francis D. Murphy (Chairperson)	2013	Mr Murphy was originally appointed by the previous administration. He was re-appointed in 2013 following a submission by the Department of Finance outlining the appointment options available.	Mr Murphy is a former Supreme Court Judge.	Seven vacancies arose in 2013 as a result of all Tribunal members coming to the end of their term of appointment as set out in legislation. The vacancies were advertised on the Publicjobs.ie website. Three members were re-appointed. A further three appointments were made as result of applications made through the publically advertised process.	The Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal (IFSAT) members are appointed by the President on the nomination of the Government. Section 57E of the Central Bank Act 1942 (as amended) outlines the credentials that an individual must have before being appointed as a member of the (IFSAT). A person is eligible to be appointed as the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson only if the person is a former judge of the Supreme Court or the High Court, or a barrister or solicitor of not less than 7 years standing. A person is eligible to be appointed as a lay member only if the President is satisfied that the person has special knowledge or skill in relation to the provision of financial services.
Inge Clissmann (Deputy Chairperson)	2013	Ms Clissmann was originally appointed by the previous administration. She was re-appointed in 2013 following a submission by the Department of Finance outlining the appointment options available.	Ms Clissmann SC was called to the Irish Bar in 1978 and took silk in 1994. She was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 1996.
Geraldine Clarke	2013	Ms Clarke was originally appointed by the previous administration. She was re-appointed in 2013 following a submission by the Department of Finance outlining the appointment options available.	Ms Clarke is a qualified solicitor specialising in commercial law and a former President of the Law Society of Ireland.
Paul Brennan	2013	Mr Brennan applied to become a member of IFSAT through the publically advertised expressions of interest process. Following this process, the Department of Finance compiled a list of potential candidates.	Mr Brennan is a qualified solicitor with considerable experience of the tribunal process and court procedures, both as a practising solicitor and a chairperson of the Mental Health Tribunals.
Helen Collins	2013	Ms Collins applied to become a member of IFSAT through the publically advertised expressions of interest process. Following this process, the Department of Finance compiled a list of potential candidates.	Ms Collins is a former partner and Head of Litigation in McCann FitzGerald, with extensive experience in commercial litigation and is currently Deputy Chair of the Adoption Authority of Ireland.
Teresa Pilkington	2013	Ms Pilkington applied to become a member of IFSAT through the publically advertised expressions of interest process. Following this process, the Department of Finance compiled a list of potential candidates.	Ms Teresa Pilkington SC is a practising barrister with almost 20 years' experience in the chancery areas of probate and succession, trusts and estates, land law and conveyancing as well as extensive commercial litigation experience.
Conor Power	2013	Following consultation with the Office of the Tánaiste, Mr Power was recommended as a candidate.	Mr Conor Power BL is a practising barrister in general civil litigation with a specialty in the areas of human rights, constitutional law, public law, employment law and children's law.
Central Bank Commission	-	-	-	-	-
Name	Date Appointed	Recommended	Credentials	Publicly Advertised	Comments
Michael Soden	2014	Mr Soden was originally appointed in 2010 by the former Minister for Finance. He was re-appointed in 2014 following a submission by the Department of Finance outlining the appointment options available.	Mr Soden was CEO of Bank of Ireland from 2001 to 2004. Prior to returning to Ireland to take up this post he spent more than 30 years with several major international financial institutions, primarily involved in all aspects of capital markets. In that time he served on the Executive Committee of National Australia Bank with responsibility for Global Wholesale Banking and latterly for Global Retail Banking.  He also was responsible for the development of Security Pacific Bank's international capital markets activities. He spent the early part of his career with Citibank/Citicorp Investment Bank, Canada.	Mr Soden was re-appointed in October 2014. The position was not publicly advertised.	Section 24 of the Central Bank Act 1942 (as amended) outlines the credentials that an individual must have before being appointed to the Central Bank Commission. As Minister for Finance, I may appoint a person as a member of the Commission if and only if I am of the opinion that the person has relevant knowledge of: accountancy, actuarial science, banking, consumer interests, corporate governance, economics, financial control, financial regulation, financial services, insurance, law, social policy, or systems control.
Des Geraghty	2014	Mr Geraghty was originally appointed in 2010 by the former Minister for Finance. He was re-appointed in 2014 following a submission by the Department of Finance outlining the appointment options available.	Mr Geraghty is a former politician and trade union leader.  He was president of SIPTU from 1999 to 2004. He was appointed to the European Parliament in 1992 for the Dublin constituency.  He was a member of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and Industrial Policy in the European Parliament.  He is a former member of the RTÉ Authority, the Board of FÁS, the National Competitiveness Council, the Affordable Homes Partnership and the National Economic and Social Council and a former Chair of Poetry Ireland.	Mr Geraghty was re-appointed in October 2014. The position was not publicly advertised.
Blanaid Clarke	2014	Ms Clarke was originally appointed in 2010 by the former Minister for Finance. Following an approach by the Governor of the Central Bank and consultation with the Department of an Taoiseach and an Tánaiste, she was re-appointed in 2013.	Ms Clarke holds the McCann Fitzgerald Chair in Corporate Law at Trinity College Dublin. Her research interests include corporate governance, financial services law, securities law and takeover law and she has published extensively in these areas. She works with the Irish Takeover Panel and is a member of the European Securities and Markets Authority Takeover Bids Network. She was a founding member of the Institute of Directors' Centre for Corporate Governance at University College Dublin and a member of the European Commission's Reflection Group on the Future of EU Company Law.	Ms Clarke was re-appointed in October 2013. The position was not publicly advertised.
Patricia Byron	2014	The Central Bank Commission identified the need for a new member to have an insurance background. The Department of Finance compiled a list of potential candidates and Ms Byron emerged from that list.	Ms Byron is the Chief Executive Officer of the Injuries Board, an independent State body established in 2004 to reform a costly personal injuries claims model. Over recent years she has also been involved in a number of efficiency initiatives in support of public sector reform. Ms Byron previously worked in the insurance sector for the major part of her career, leaving the executive team in Aviva directly before taking up her current role. She is a graduate of University College Dublin, a Chartered Insurer, a former Chairperson of the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland and was the first female president of the Insurance Institute of Dublin. She has served on the Board of the Institute of Public Administration and is a past Chairperson of the Association of Chief Executives of State Agencies.	Expressions of interest were sought for positions on the Central Bank Commission in 2012.
Financial Services Ombudsman Council	-	-	-	-	-
Name	Date Appointed	Recommended	Credentials	Publicly Advertised	Comments
Mr Dermott Jewell    Chairperson	29th October 2013		CEO - Consumers Association of Ireland	The FSOC was re-appointment in October 2013 having expressed their willingness  to serve.	The Council is structured to broadly represent a balance of consumer, financial services and public interest. Financial Services Ombudsman Council was reappointed for a 2 year term up to 28th October 2015 or until the merger of the Financial Services Ombudsman with the Pension Ombudsman has been completed. In view of the short term of the Council and the amalgamation of the Offices of the Pension Ombudsman and the Financial Services Ombudsman which will require the experience of the existing Council to effect, these positions were not advertised.  The appointment of an additional person with specific legal qualifications and experience was also required.
Mr Paddy Leydon	29th October 2013		Regional Business Manager Bank of Ireland
Mr Frank Wynn	29th October 2013		Director of Group Compliance & Operational Risk - Irish Life Group
Ms Caitriona Ni Charra	29th October 2013		19 years' experience with MABS                      (with particular interest with debt and poverty issues)
Mr Tony Kerr	29th October 2013		2013                     Senior Lecturer, College of Business & Law, UCD
Mr Michael Connolly	29th October 2013		Consultant
Ms Elizabeth Walsh	29th October 2013		Solicitor
Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI)	-	-	-	-	-
Name	Date Appointed	Recommended	Credentials	Publicly Advertised	Comments
John Corrigan Chairperson	10th September 2014	Department of Finance and the National Pension Reserve Fund	Chief Executive NTMA	The appointments to the board were not publically advertised	These appointments to the first Board of the SBCI were not publically advertised.  Their credentials satisfy the criteria for membership of the Board of the SBCI as they have senior expertise and experience of the spheres laid out in section 15 (e) of the SBCI's Articles of Association.  These appointments to the first board of the SBCI were recommended by the Department of Finance and the National Pension Reserve Fund.
Ann Nolan	10th September 2014	Department of Finance and the National Pension Reserve Fund	Second Secretary General Department of Finance
Nick Ashmore	10th September 2014	Department of Finance and the National Pension Reserve Fund	Project Director of SBCI
Irish Fiscal Advisory Council	-	-	-	-	-
Name	Date Appointed	Recommended	Credentials	Publicly Advertised	Comments
John McHale (Chair)	7th July 2011		Ph.D and A.M degrees from Harvard, and first-class M.Econ.Sc. and B.Comm. degrees from the National University of Ireland	These posts were not publicly advertised.	The composition of a body such as a Fiscal Council is critical to its independence and credibility. In following the Common Principles set by the European Commission under the Fiscal Compact, candidates were sought who hold valuable experience and demonstrate competence in their fields of expertise. A significant number of potential candidates were considered against a range of criteria. The criteria included the desire of having a mix of appropriate backgrounds, namely academia, the financial sector/financial markets and public finance; expertise in macroeconomic/microeconomic and a strong international dimension, in addition to the need to take gender considerations into account. As would be normal practice, the process by which potential nominees were identified, considered and selected involved officials from my Department. The final decisions regarding the appointments were made by me following consultations with Cabinet colleagues and others.
Mr Sebastian Barnes	7th July 2011		MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics, a master's degree in European Political Economy from the College of Europe (Bruges), and a bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford.
Professor Alan Barrett	7th July 2011		Ph.D. and M.A from Michigan State University, and a B.A from Trinity College Dublin.
Dr Donal Donovan	7th July 2011		Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia and a bachelor's degree from Trinity College Dublin.
Dr Roisin O'Sullivan	7th July 2011		Ph.D. in economics from the Ohio State University, and master's and bachelor's degrees from the National University of Ireland, Galway.
National Treasury Management Agency Advisory Committee	-	-	-	-	-
Name	Date Appointed	Recommended	Credentials	Publicly Advertised	Comments
Mr Derek Moran	3 September 2014		Secretary General of the Department of Finance	No	It has been the practice since the establishment of the National Treasury Management Agency to appoint the Secretary General of the Department of Finance to the Advisory Committee.
Mr John Moran  6 March 2012 July 2014	6 March 2012 July 2014		Secretary General of the Department of Finance	No	It has been the practice since the establishment of the National Treasury Management Agency to appoint the Secretary General of the Department of Finance to the Advisory Committee.
Mr Willie Walsh	11 November 2013	Minister Noonan	Chief Executive of International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways. Previously he was Chief Executive at British Airways and Aer Lingus.	No
Mr Don Roth	1 January 2014		Former Managing Partner of EMP Global LLC and former vice-president and Treasurer of the World Bank.	No	This post was a reappointment
National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission	-	-	-	-	-
Name	Date Appointed	Recommended	Credentials	Publicly Advertised	Comments
Dr Frances Ruane	1 July 2014		Director of the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).	No	Post was not advertised as it was a re-appointment
Mr Maurice Keane	5 February 2012		Company Director and Retired Group Chief Executive of Bank of Ireland	No	Post was not advertised as it was a re-appointment
State Claims Agency Policy Committee	-	-	-	-	-
Name	Date Appointed	Recommended	Credentials	Publicly Advertised	Comments
Dr Noel Whelan (Chairman)	1 July 2012		Vice President and Dean Emeritus, University of Limerick	No	Post was not advertised as it was a re-appointment.
Mr Fachtna Murphy	27 June 2012	Minister Howlin	Former Garda Commissioner	Advertised on the websites of the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. Mr Murphy was selected on the basis of his application
Ms Wendy Thompson	27 June 2012	Minister Howlin	Insurance & Litigation Manager, Railway Procurement Agency	Advertised on the websites of the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. Ms Thompson was selected on the basis of her application.
Mr Charlie Hardy 27 June 2012 18 November 2013.		Minister Howlin	Principal Officer, Department of Health representative	No	Department nominee (A Department of Health representative has, by convention, been appointed to the SCA Policy Committee).
Ms Mary Jackson	4 December 2013	N/a	Principal Officer, Department of Health representative	No	Department nominee (A Department of Health representative has, by convention, been appointed to the SCA Policy Committee).
National Development Finance Agency Board	-	-	-	-	-
Name	Date Appointed	Recommended	Credentials	Publicly Advertised	Comments
Mr Brian Murphy	Re-appointed 1 January 2013	Mr John Corrigan Chief Executive NTMA	Chief Executive NDFA	No	Re-appointment of CEO to the Board by the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
Mr Robert Watt	18 July 2012	Minister Howlin	Secretary General, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform	Vacancy was advertised on Department of Finance and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform websites. The Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was appointed to the Board
Mr Gerry Murray	18 July 2012	Minister Howlin	Chief Executive, Institutes of Technology Ireland	Vacancy was advertised on Department of Finance and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform websites. Mr Murray was selected on the basis of his application
Ms Petrina Smyth	18 July 2012	Minister Howlin	Partner and head of Irish Tax Group Walkers	Vacancy was advertised on Department of Finance and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform websites. Ms Smyth was selected on the basis of her application.
National Asset Management Agency	-	-	-	-	-
Name	Date Appointed	Recommended	Credentials	Publicly Advertised	Comments
John Mulcahy	March 2012	NAMA - Ex Officio appointment - Head of Portfolio Management	Mr Mulcahy is a chartered surveyor and has worked in all aspects of the property industry for over 40 years, most recently concentrating on property investment and asset management.	No
Oliver Ellingham	10 April 2013	NAMA Board following the IBRC Liquidation	Chairperson of the Risk Management Committee and Member of the Audit Committee. He is a chartered accountant and a former Head of Corporate Finance (Europe) at BNP Paribas and a senior executive within BNP Paribas UK. He currently holds non-executive directorships in a number of companies and is Chairman and owner of Woking Storage Solutions. He previously also held senior management roles within Charterhouse Bank (now part of the HSBC Group) and Robert Fleming (now J P Morgan) and served as a member of the Board of IBRC between October 2011 and February 2013.	No
Brian McEnery	Reappointed to the board in 2013.		Chairperson of the Audit Committee and Member of the Northern Ireland Advisory Committee. He specializes in corporate rescue and insolvency and is a partner in a leading firm of accountants and business advisors and practices in Limerick and Dublin. He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and a council member of ACCA. In 2010 he was the President of ACCA Ireland. He is a director of the Consultative Committee of Accounting Bodies (CCAB) and serves on its insolvency committee in Ireland.	No
Willie Soffe	Reappointed to the board in 2013		Chairperson of the Planning Advisory Committee and Member of the Finance and Operating Committee. He has over 45 years service in Local Government in the Dublin area, during which time he has held the positions of Assistant City Manager, Dublin Corporation (now Dublin City Council) and County Manager, Fingal County Council. Since retiring in 2004, Mr. Soffe has carried out a number of public service assignments including Chairman of the Dublin Transport Office, a member of the Commission on Taxation and a member of the Steering Group on the Review of Area-Based Tax Incentive Renewal Schemes.	No
Mari Hurley	8 April 2014	Ministerial Nomination	Chairperson of the Planning Advisory Committee and Member of the Finance and Operating Committee. He has over 45 years service in Local Government in the Dublin area, during which time he has held the positions of Assistant City Manager, Dublin Corporation (now Dublin City Council) and County Manager, Fingal County Council. Since retiring in 2004, Mr. Soffe has carried out a number of public service assignments including Chairman of the Dublin Transport Office, a member of the Commission on Taxation and a member of the Steering Group on the Review of Area-Based Tax Incentive Renewal Schemes.	No