Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
444. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform who has oversight responsibility for the Public Appointments Service, if his Department plans to review its performance and ensure that regulations are being implemented properly in the execution of its duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16635/23]
View answerI am informed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS), which is a body under the aegis of my Department in accordance with the Public Service Management Act, that responsibility for implementation of PAS Board policy, strategy, management and operation of the Public Appointments Service resides with the Corporate Executive, affected through the Chief Executive.
The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform conducts regular oversight of expenditure including a review of spending on a monthly basis; oversees achievement of and compliance with any delegated arrangements in place for staffing and pay; provides Ministerial consents where and as appropriate; discusses with the CEO the priorities to be delivered each year in line with the Statement of Strategy; and is responsible for the legislative function in relation to the PAS.
As a civil service body, governance within PAS is aligned to the requirements of the Corporate Governance Standard for the Civil Service. In carrying out its functions, PAS operates in accordance with PAS policies and wider government, and Civil Service policies and regulations across all areas, including financial management, internal control, Human Resources, ICT, Capital building and reporting. Compliance is monitored on an ongoing basis by PAS (and its Board) and both compliance and the policies in place are subject to Internal Audit review and review by the C&AG.
The CEO as Accounting Officer is personally responsible for, and accountable to, the Oireachtas for regularity and propriety in the PAS’ accounts, the efficient and effective use of PAS resources, and for the control of assets in accordance with Comptroller and Auditor General Acts 1866 to 1998.
There is an annual Performance Delivery Agreement in place between the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and the PAS, documenting an agreed level of service and performance, and formalising a process whereby the outcomes required from PAS can be measured and assessed. The document sets out PAS’ key targets, and the output and outcome indications from which performance shall be measured.
PAS has an independent Board, which is appointed by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (following consultation with the relevant Ministers as set out in the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004). The Board operates to an agreed Terms of Reference and a Code of Practice for the PAS Board and also monitor the performance of PAS and compliance with key governance requirements.
Recruitment to the civil service and a range of other public bodies operates under the provisions of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Acts, 2004 to 2013. PAS operates under licence from the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA) and is independent in its operations. In carrying out its recruitment and selection processes, it complies with the Codes of Practice published by the CPSA, which ensure that fair and open processes are in place. Where the Codes do not apply, it adheres to the same core principles in carrying out its functions.
PAS has established an internal Compliance Unit (independent of the recruitment and selection processes) with responsibility for carrying out reviews and examining complaints under Section 7 and 8 of the CPSA Code of Practice and apply similar standards for reviews of processes where the Codes do not apply.
