APPOINTMENTS:THE GOVERNMENT has introduced rules for appointments to State boards which are designed to stave off allegations of political patronage or cronyism during the election campaign.
The measures were agreed by Cabinet yesterday after a proposal by Taoiseach Brian Cowen that the Government confirm publicly its commitment to applying best practice to the making of appointments to State boards.
Mr Cowen told his Cabinet colleagues he was concerned about “unfounded reports” about the intentions of the Government in relation to these appointments.
The Government says it will not consider making appointments before vacancies occur. Where vacancies do arise, appointments will not be made where it is “clearly necessary” to consider changes in the structure or function of the State body.
In such cases, decisions about appointments will be delayed until a new administration starts work.
The Cabinet also agreed that where appointments are made, the relevant Minister will be required to list the skills appropriate for the appointment.
These arrangements will not apply where an appointment is triggered by the right of an external body to make a nomination, the Government said.
Last week, it emerged the Government had made 48 appointments to the boards of State bodies in the previous 10 days, including 25 made by the Taoiseach. A further 10 appointments were planned.
Over the Christmas break, 90 such appointments were made. The list includes a number of Fianna Fáil councillors.
The filling of State boards has long been a source of controversy because the vacancies are usually not advertised and the appointments are made by ministers.
