Departmental Appointments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022

Tuesday, 5 April 2022

Questions (145)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

145. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if a selection board will be convened by the Public Appointments Service and a shortlisting process carried out by an independent chairperson when filling the forthcoming vacancy in the position of Secretary General to the Government and Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach; and if not, the reason the procedures applied to the recruitment of the most senior positions in the civil service at Assistant Secretary level and upwards will not be applied to this appointment. [17225/22]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The vacancy in the position of Secretary General to the Government and Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach has been filled following a request for expressions of interest from all suitable officers in the Civil Service.

The post does not come within the remit of TLAC. The appointment was made by the Government, on my advice.

There was no departure from the process that was followed in respect of this post on previous occasions, most recently in 2011.

Mr John Callinan, Second Secretary General at the Department of the Taoiseach has been appointed to the position with effect from 3rd May.