Vol. 397 No. 1
36 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for Finance the number of appointments and the grades at which such appointments were made which have resulted from the top level appointments committees from 1984 to 1989; the number of women who have been appointed by them; and if he will give details of the gender make-up of the committee.
To date 112 appointments have been made on foot of recommendations from the top level appointments committee. Twenty-two of these appointments were at Secretary level, five were at the level of Deputy Secretary or the equivalent departmental or professional grade, and 85 at the level of Assistant Secretary or the equivalent departmental or professional grade. Two women have been appointed to posts at Assistant Secretary level. This must be seen, however, in the context of the very small number of women applicants.
The committee consists of two permanent members: the chairman who is Secretary to the Government and the Secretary (Public Service Management and Development) in the Department of Finance. In addition, two Secretaries from other Departments are appointed by the Taoiseach, usually for a three year term, following consultation with me. The present members are the Secretary of the Department of the Environment and the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners. All are men.
A vacancy exists for a representative from the private sector which would fall to be filled by the Taoiseach, again in consultation with me.
