Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
250. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if there is a specific policy within his Department that seeks to preclude those elected to local authorities from any boards that he may appoint; the rationale behind any such policy; the way in which it aligns with encouraging participation in local government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52853/26]
View answerThe Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment does not have a specific policy that seeks to preclude persons elected to local authorities from being appointed to the boards of bodies under its aegis.
Appointments to State boards are made in accordance with the relevant governance and appointments frameworks and having regard to the requirements of the particular board concerned. Membership criteria, including any eligibility or disqualification requirements, may be specified in the establishing legislation of individual bodies where applicable. This is to ensure good governance, independence and avoid any conflicts of interest arising.
The Department supports participation in local government and does not operate a general policy preventing elected local authority members from serving on State boards. Any restrictions on membership would arise, where relevant, from the specific legislative provisions governing a particular body rather than from a Departmental policy.
