asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the reason for the delay in appointing a chairman of Bord lascaigh Mhara.

11.

asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the reason for the delay in appointing a chief executive of Bord lascaigh Mhara.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.

No date has yet been fixed for the resignation of Mr. B. M. O'Kelly, the present chairman and chief executive of An Bord lascaigh Mhara. The board, however, with my approval, have appointed Dr. R. A. Meaney, the board's current fisheries development manager, as chief executive designate. No decision has as yet been made as to who will succeed Mr. O'Kelly in the role of chairman of the board.

Is the Minister aware that an announcement made said Mr. O'Kelly had resigned from BIM and the Minister stated today that no date has been fixed for his resignation?

I said that Dr. R. A. Meaney, the board's current fisheries development manager, is chief executive designate.

As chairman.

Up to now the post of chairman and chief executive were occupied by the same person. This will not continue after Mr. O'Kelly's resignation when the posts will be occupied by different people.

Could the Minister tell the House when the chairman will resign?

No date has yet been fixed for his resignation.

Why was there an announcement that he had resigned, and the Minister said in this House that no date had been fixed for his resignation?

The Minister did not say that. The Deputy is not listening.

The Minister is obviously trying to get a pension for a man who has already resigned.