asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will state in respect of State bodies under the aegis of his Department (a) the procedure adopted in relation to the filling of vacancies on such boards.

The procedure for appointment and re-appointment of directors or members and for filling of vacancies on boards of the State-sponsored bodies under the aegis of my Department are set out in the legislation governing those bodies and in the case of companies, in their articles of association.

Is it true there is a vacancy on one board and a particular man is not being appointed because he is a friend of Mr. Neil Blaney?

That is a separate question.

To whom is the Deputy referring?

Arising out of the Minister's reply, would the Minister indicate what is, in fact, the procedure of appointment?

As the reply said, it varies. In certain cases the Minister nominates the members of the board. In other cases the bodies concerned with the particular undertaking have the right of nomination and, in the case of companies, this is determined by their articles of association.

But does it always have to come before the Government for approval?

The business transacted by the Government is always confidential.

But is this a matter that came before the Government? Surely the House should be told that.

In the case of boards the Minister has the right of nomination and the responsibility is his.

Is the Minister aware that the ex-Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Deputy Neil Blaney, stated today that he knew the Minister concerned had to bring it before the Government for the Government's agreement? Does the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries agree or disagree with that statement?

As far as I remember, that statement was dealt with by the Minister concerned.

No. He evaded the answer.

It was dealt with on his behalf.

It was not. He evaded the answer. We have different Minister now telling us different things. There is unmitigated treachery somewhere.