Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 July 2012
11 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to ensure that the posts of CEO of Culture Ireland and the director of the National Museum are openly advertised and recruited by interview panels consisting of a majority of outside experts to ensure transparency in the recruitment process; the date on which this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35410/12]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the position of Director of the National Museum of Ireland is a statutory one and is currently being filled on an acting basis. My officials are liaising with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the filling of this post on a permanent basis. When sanctioned by that Department, it is intended that the position will be filled by means of an open competition conducted through the Public Appointments Service.
In relation to the position of CEO of Culture Ireland, the Deputy will be aware that this position has recently been filled on an acting basis for a period of 15 months. In the Government's Public Service Reform Plan of 17 November 2011, Culture Ireland is listed as an entity to be critically reviewed in the context of its functions being merged into my Department. Consultations are ongoing with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard, with a view to the matter being further considered by Government at the appropriate time.
