The Minister for Public Enterprise Ms O'Rourke has made four appointments to the board of CIE. The new members are Ms Susan Spence, Mr Gerry Duggan, Mr David Egan and Mr Paul Kiely.

Ms Spence is a founder of the Softco group, an information technology company. She is a member of the Irish Management Institute and the Irish Computer Society.

Mr Gerry Duggan is involved in ESB International's strategic consultancy services. He has been involved in a number of papers on energy and transportation issues. It is understood his appointment was recommended by the Tanaiste Ms Harney.

Mr David Egan, who comes from Athlone, was a member of the Mobility/Transport Working Group for the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities. He is currently editor of Spokeout, a cross-disability lifestyles magazine. He is also a member of the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Centre for Independent Living.

Mr Paul Kiely, from Dublin, was appointed chief executive of the Central Remedial Clinic n 1988. He has served on the boards of Rehab Lotteries and the Great Southern Hotels.

The four will replace Ms Laura Magahy, managing director of Temple Bar Properties; Mr Pat Lynch, former chief executive of Irish Shell; Mr Brendan Murtagh, deputy chairman of the Kingspan Group and Mr Arthur O'Daly, an accountant and board member of the National Rehabilitation Board.

The new members will attend their first monthly CIE board meeting today.