1060. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the role of her Department in the appointment, oversight, or removal of board members of the Institute of Public Health; and the extent to which Ministerial approval is required in such processes. [29861/26]

The All Island Institute of Public Health (IPH) is the only non-statutory body that receives funding directly by the Department.  This is due to its specific nature as an all island body that was set up prior to the signing of the Good Friday / Belfast Agreement in 1998.  The IPH provides support on public health policy to the respective Departments of Health and Chief Medical Officers in both jurisdictions.

The IPH is a Company Limited by Guarantee and the process for the appointment to the Board is contained in its own Constitution, which is public available through the Companies Registration office.

Each Department of Health is entitled to appoint up to 5 members to the Board of the IPH.  Appointees to the Board are assessed by their respective Departments for sufficient experience and expertise relating to matters connected with the functions of the Company to enable them to make a substantial contribution to the effective and efficient governance of the Company and the performance of such functions.  Any appointment or removal of a Director by the Department of Health Ireland or the Department of Health Northern Ireland shall be by resolution of the Secretary General of the Department of Health Ireland or the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health Northern Ireland.