I wish to inform the Deputy that the appointment of the Secretary General of the Department of Finance is a Government appointment. The appointment of John Moran was made following an open competition conducted by the Top Level Appointments Committee. In respect of the last appointment which the Deputy has asked about, expressions of interest were sought from all suitable officers within the Civil Service. These expressions of interest involved the submission of a Curriculum Vitae and a statement of the official's suitability for the post. On completion of the expressions of interest process I, as Minister for Finance, met with each of the officers who expressed an interest in the position.
The process for filling the post reflected the importance and urgency of filling the position to enable the Department to manage Government finances and play an integral role in the achievement of the Government's economic and social goals having regard to the Programme for Government.