Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are awaiting the report under the external chair of Mr. Ó Riordáin. There is no delay in the appointment of a Secretary General. If the Department is going to be subject to the type of reform expected, it is entirely reasonable that we would await the report of the change and implementation group prior to embarking on appointing a permanent Secretary General.

In the meantime, the acting Secretary General has full power and authority.