The Taoiseach will remember very well the formal Government decision to establish a transparent process for the filling of vacancies on State boards through the Public Appointments Service. As a result of that decision, such vacancies are now advertised - it is open to every member of the general public to apply - and the Public Appointments Service shortlists people it independently deems to be appropriate. Has the previous Government's decision on appointments to State boards been changed? Has any member of the Government indicated to the Taoiseach that he or she has a difficulty with the transparent process now in place?

No.

There is an obvious answer to that question.

The position is that those who believe they have sufficient qualifications or experience to serve on a particular board can apply to do so. As Deputy Brendan Howlin knows, Ministers are not aware of who applies now.

Absolutely.

The names of those who are vetted and assessed by the Public Appointments Service and deemed to be eligible, qualified and have sufficient experience are sent to the relevant Minister. Of course, it is up to a Minister to say, "I have set down the criteria and the following are qualified." If a Minister considers there are too many names on a list, he or she can certainly have the group interviewed in order that recommendations can be made about who should be selected from the list.

The guidelines specifically allow a Minister to determine the number on the list.

If the problem is selecting from among those listed as being qualified and eligible, the remedy is to have them interviewed by a smaller interview board and accept its recommendations. That option is open to every Minister.