Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2019
436. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the number of boards or agencies his officials have been appointed to; if there are guidelines or protocols for members of staff being appointed to boards or agencies; if so, when same were last updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6648/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe nomination and appointment process for statutory boards under the aegis of my Department is set out in legislation. In line with Government Decision SI80/20/10/1617 of 2014 and Guidelines set out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform relating to the advertising for expressions of interest in vacancies on State Boards, my Department in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) currently advertises for board vacancies as they arise, where I, as Minister for Health, have nominating rights under relevant legislation. I also appoint members on the nomination of various bodies, again in accordance with relevant legislation.
At present there are two of my officials who have been appointed by me to serve on statutory boards under the aegis of my Department, one is a member of the National Haemophilia Council, one is a member of National Cancer Registry Board.
The guidelines and protocols which must be followed include the 2016 Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies which refers to the Department of Finance Circular 12/2010: Protocol for Civil Servants nominated to the boards of non-commercial State bodies. Civil Servants must also comply with the 2008 Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour and any other guidance or protocols which may from time to time be issued.
