§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will advise hon. Members and 703W local political parties of public appointment vacancies on the same lines as the Irish Republic's Government representative at the Maryfield Secretariat is advised. [6384]
§ Sir John WheelerUnder the terms of article 6 of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, the Irish Government can put forward views and proposals on the role and composition of public bodies in Northern Ireland. I welcome suggestions from Members of Parliament and political parties on public appointment vacancies at any time. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State and Northern Ireland Ministers have invited local political parties on a number of occasions to put forward names of individuals suitable for public appointments. In addition, major public appointments are now advertised in line with the requirements of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Public Appointments.
§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what requirements he makes where nominations to public appointments are made by(a) hon. Members, (b) political parties and (c) the Government of the Irish Republic, that any such suggested nominees have their name and proposer so specified to him on the departmental submission when deciding on the appointment. [6383]
§ Sir John WheelerSubmissions to Ministers on public appointments identify individuals proposed by the Irish Government. In cases where names have originated from the other sources mentioned, the source is normally drawn to the Minister's attention.