Cian O'Callaghan
Question:453. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the recruitment process for leading positions in Safefood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33137/21]
View answerThursday, 15 July 2021
Questions (453)
Written answers
The recruitment process for all State Bodies is the responsibility of Commission for Public Service Appointments which has published the Code of Practice for appointment to positions in the Civil Service and Public Service.
Under the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999, it is up to the North/South Body, in this case Safefood, with the approval of North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and the Finance Ministers, to determine the remuneration, grading, and numbers and other conditions of service of the CEO and other staff of the Body. This means Safefood must liaise with the Departments of Health, North and South, about any changes with regard to staffing. However, provided Safefood stay within the agreed remuneration levels, grading, and allocated staffing numbers there is no need to seek sanctions from parent departments.
The exception is with regard to the appointment of the CEO. Under the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999, the appointment of the CEO must be approved by NSMC. The sponsor Departments, therefore, have to agree a selection process and liaise with their prospective Finance Departments and the NSMC to obtain prior approval to fill the position of CEO. Once the selection has been made, the appointment has to be approved by NSMC.
The British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999 provides for the Food Safety Promotion Board/Safefood to have both an Advisory Board and Advisory Committee.
Safefood selects the members of the Advisory Committee (SAC) based on a selection process. Positions on the SAC are publicly advertised. Safefood invites expressions of interest for the committee from suitably qualified professionals. Members are also selected in accordance with Safefood’s Equality Policy. After conclusion of the selection process by Safefood, membership of the SAC is approved by Ministers (North and South) at the North South Ministerial Council.