PROPOSALS ARE to be introduced to involve Dáil committees in the appointment of chairpersons and chief executives to State boards, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern revealed. “Some of my colleagues will try to bring forward proposals in this regard.’’
He was replying to Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, who suggested the involvement of Dáil committees. “I am not suggesting that candidates should be overseen in the investigative sense, but that the committee would have explained to it why the candidates believe they have a contribution to make, and why their qualifications make them feel eligible for the position on offer.”
Mr Kenny added that a case relating to a county councillor from the Taoiseach’s party was referred to the Garda following an investigation by the Standards in Public Office Commission. In another case an appointee to a State board was under investigation for an alleged assault, but he could not predict the outcome.
Mr Ahern said appointments to boards were made on the basis of knowledge, expertise and experience which individuals could bring to the work of the boards. In many cases appointments were made on the basis of nomination by relevant groups, such as the social partners.
He said “one must look long and hard” to try to get highly-competent people to sit on State boards nowadays because of corporate governance and time commitments.
