Cabinet flouting rules on filling state jobs

The Government is flouting its rules on appointments to state boards, with more than two-thirds of positions filled without being advertised.

The figures are revealed in light of recent controversies over ministers appointing political associates to posts ahead of next week’s Cabinet reshuffle.

After entering office in March 2011, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said vacancies on the boards of state-funded bodies would be advertised to help attract new talent and end cronyism.