Supporting High Standards of Governance in State Bodies in Ireland

IoD Ireland consulted with Members to gain an understanding of their experiences as directors/managers of State bodies, including the practical adoption of the Code. Our objective was to identify areas requiring attention in support of best-in-class State body governance in Ireland. This paper advocates for amends to the 'Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies', urging Government consideration and action.

The paper also recommends: parent departments to better work with State bodies to clarify matters reserved for board decision-making versus matters requiring ministerial/parent department approval; periodic reviews ensuring that the legislation underpinning the State body remains fit-for-purpose; enhanced engagement by strengthening the interactions between State bodies and parent departments; learning and education by facilitating structured governance education programmes including for civil servants; and the involvement of the Chair of the State body in the assessment process and ultimate recommendation to the minister on appointments to State body boards.

The paper, developed through engagement with IoD Ireland’s membership base – many of whom serve as directors or senior managers within State bodies – and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, outlines a series of recommendations for review by relevant government departments.

The full paper is available to read and download below. If you have any queries in relation to the paper, please contact the IoD Ireland team.