Sir, - The Irish Research Scientists' Association has written critically (IT, November 20th) about the absence of a food scientist on the new Food Safety Board. Regardless of whether that criticism is accepted or acted upon by the Minister, Mr Noonan had at least made it possible for an interested and informed party to examine the composition of the board in this instance the names and relevant biographical details of all board members had been published (IT, November 6th).
In an era where the need for accountability and transparency is much discussed, and where we are old that the present Government is committed to both, should publishing such information, and hence having it open to public scrutiny and comment, not become the norm for appointments to all state boards and bodies?
Yours, etc,
Dept of Economics,
Trinity College, Dublin.