Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have just outlined the mechanics and experience of filling vacancies in the membership of the Competition Authority.

In regard to Deputy Calleary's amendment, the way it works is that if a longer-term vacancy arises we appoint a person under the PAS system, and in the shorter term we operate under section 10(3)(b). I do not think the Deputy's amendment adds anything. Clearly, the process of advertising, filling the position and working out notice with an existing employer could run beyond three months. Providing for this is unnecessarily restrictive, and it does not have a place in primary legislation.

The general rules of the Competition Authority require that a quorum be present. There is always a move to fill a vacancy, either, as I said, on a temporary basis or using a longer-term appointment. The commission does not operate like a normal State board where there are appointees. These are professional people whose posts are filled using the Public Appointments Service.