asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline the procedure being used to fill the position of Chief Executive of FÁS; and when an appointment will be made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - FÁS Appointment.
6.
Because of the national importance of the post of director general of FÁS, I decided that I should advertise it in the public press and in that way attract the widest possible field of candidates. Accordingly, I had the post advertised during the last week of August 1987 and the first week of September 1987.
As indicated in the public advertisement, I set up a selection board to assist me in reviewing the applications. The selection board comprised a senior businessman, who acted as chairman, the Secretary to the Government and the Secretary of my own Department.
The selection board examined all applications and interviewed those candidates whom they considered best qualified for the job.
On completion of the interviews, the selection board reported to me. I am, at present, considering their report and I hope to announce the name of the new director general shortly.
I should like to put it to the Minister that the delay that has occurred since the advertisement appeared and the inaugural meeting of FÁS is unacceptable and has damaged the morale of the three organisations who have been waiting for the changes to be implemented. Secondly, did the Minister instruct the interview board to give him a number of names or one name of the person to fill the post?
I took the unusual step of proceeding earlier than required. The director general is not required until 1 January but I announced this in August so that we would have time to hold interviews.
There may have been delays in getting the three people together but I do not believe any damage has been done and I explained this personally to the board. I have a panel and I will pick a name from that panel within a matter of days.
The Minister said he hoped to have a panel——
I have a panel.
The Minister requested the interview board to provide him with a panel of names and he will then choose the director general. Is that right?
That is it.
Can the Minister tell the House what terms and conditions of appointment will apply to the post and, in particular, if he has found any difficulties securing suitable applicants because of the restrictions on remuneration?
On the contrary. It may be because of the attractiveness of the post and the view that this will be a high powered semi-State board to help the unemployed that we have had a very large number of applications from very qualified persons.
And the terms and conditions of employment?
I am not sure which grade a chief executive officer is but all this information was given in the advertisement.
Is there protection against abolition?
It is as secure as my own job.