Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 June 2019
41. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Finance if the appointment of the incoming Governor of the Central Bank will be suspended until all investigations in New Zealand involving them are completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25524/19]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the New Zealand State Services Commissioner is carrying out an investigation into the unauthorised access of New Zealand Budget material and the events surrounding it. I am not going to be drawn into speculating on a matter on which the New Zealand State Services Commissioner is currently compiling a report.
The State Services Commissioner, Peter Hughes, has stated that his office will not be making any comment on the matter until his investigation is concluded and all of the facts have been ascertained. The investigation aims to conclude by 27 June.
Consequently, it would not be appropriate for me or the Government to comment on the matter, particularly given we are not in possession of the facts. The Government and others must await the facts to emerge.
Mr. Makhlouf has agreed to the ongoing review as the best approach to establishing the facts of the matter.
He is continuing to work as usual in his role as CEO of the New Zealand Treasury.
I would caution against making claims about an individual who is not in a position to defend themselves.
The Government recommended the appointment of Mr. Makhlouf as Central Bank Governor to the President following a comprehensive, open, and international process.
Mr. Makhlouf was the recommendation of the independent interview panel. The process included a public call for expressions of interest, a comprehensive search using an independent executive search firm, a rigorous short-listing of applicants, psychometric testing of final interview candidates, and a final interview of five candidates.
The President signed the warrant appointing Mr. Makhlouf to the role of Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland on 14th May 2019.
Deputy Governor, Sharon Donnery, is acting Governor of the Central Bank from 1 June to 31 August.
My officials have been in contact with our Embassy in New Zealand to obtain updates on the matter.
However, given the definitive statement by the New Zealand State Services Commissioner that his office will not be making any comment on the matter until his investigation is concluded and all of the facts have been ascertained, it would not be appropriate to contact his office at this time.
