asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 12 July (WA 134), under what employment regulations the director of marketing and communications of Waterways Ireland was appointed; and whether those regulations would allow this appointment to be made on the basis of a promotion.[HL7050]

Following the establishment of Waterways Ireland, functions were transferred to it from existing statutory bodies in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To facilitate the staffing of Waterways Ireland, enabling legislation in each jurisdiction provided for the designation and transfer of staff to the body.

Following his designation from the former Department of Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands, the director of marketing and communications was appointed by the chief executive of Waterways Ireland with effect from April 2002 under the relevant legislation. The appointment is dealt with at Appendix 1.4 of the joint statement on the investigation at Waterways Ireland issued by sponsor departments on 4 April 2005, which is available in the Library.