Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am not suggesting that would be the case. However, the Minister of State indicated the Minister would make the appointment. While I accept that, the Minister's decision must be based on a recommendation arising from an independent procedure that is external to the Department. It is for this reason that the Top Level Appointments Committee handles appointments to the higher echelons of the Civil Service. I hope the appointment will be handled outside the Department in a manner that gives everyone confidence that the process is open and independent.

As I stated, I am putting the Minister of State on notice that I will pursue this matter. I would prefer if he were to indicate either now or on Report Stage the methodology he intends to deploy for the appointment. I accept that he has asked his officials to set out the criteria and that this is probably the most difficult aspect of ensuring the right person is appointed. It is equally important, however, that the appointment process is viewed as open, transparent and fair and that all those who apply for the position will have an equal chance of being appointed. This will require the establishment of an appropriate decision making entity, one which is not connected to the Department and has the appropriate buffers and safeguards built in to ensure the best person possible is appointed to the agency.