Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2017

Tuesday, 26 September 2017

Questions (49)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

49. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied that there is sufficient transparency, accountability and oversight in the area of top-level appointments in the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40481/17]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As the Deputy will be aware, open publicly advertised competition is a key principle of senior level appointments to posts across the public service reflecting the Government's commitment to ensure that such posts, which are central to the effective performance of our system of public administration, are filled by high-calibre candidates. 

In my area of direct responsibility, the civil service, recruitment in relation to senior level appointments above Principal Officer is undertaken by the Top Level Appointments Committee, TLAC. TLAC holds competitions for and advises, as appropriate, Ministers and/or the Government on appointments to civil service posts at Secretary General and Assistant Secretary and equivalent levels. 

The policy on open competitions for Assistant Secretary and for Secretary General and equivalent posts has been in place since 2011. 

In relation to recruitment to the wider public service, various Government Ministers, in accordance with the legislation setting up public service bodies or agencies under their aegis, are responsible for matters relating to senior appointments in those bodies. 

Clearly the public interest is usually best served by opening public service posts to the widest possible pool of suitably qualified candidates. 

TLAC operates under the Code of Practice issued by the Commission for Public Service Appointments in accordance with the principles of merit, consistency, accountability, probity, best practice and professional confidentiality.

TLAC operates in an independent manner and strictly on the basis of open competition and merit. TLAC is responsible for determining its own procedures and remit, subject to Government decisions as appropriate.