I propose to take Questions Nos. 797 to 801, inclusive, together.
In relation to Bord Bia, my Department is guided by both the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, and the Bord Bia Acts.
Appointments to the Board of Bord Bia are made in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, Bord Bia’s Governing Acts and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform - Guidelines on Appointment to State Bodies (November 2014).
The appointment letter requests the appointee to draw their attention to the fiduciary duties pertaining to board members in Section 3.1 of the ‘Code of Practice’ on the Role of Board Members.
In addition, the Code details the requirement for:
Compliance with the Code of Conduct;
The application process for appointments to the Board of Bord Bia;
Board applicants to declare any conflicts of interests;
All Board members to complete Ethics and Conflict of Interest returns; and
Corporate Governance meetings to be held between my Department and Bord Bia in accordance with the Code of Practice.
I am satisfied that all requirements of the Code are being met and that these Governance arrangements protect the statutory role of Bord Bia.
