Environment Minister questioned over state board appointments

Questions are being asked after Environment Minister Phil Hogan appointed 7 former local councillors to state boards, in what are expected to be his last days in Cabinet.

The Sunday Times reports that Mr Hogan, who is likely to be named as Ireland’s new European Commissioner this week, gave the appointments to five Fine Gael and two Labour councillors.

A spokesperson for Minister Hogan said all recent appointments had been made on the basis of the abilities of the individuals to contribute to the relevant bodies.