Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will come in on the other aspects of Deputy Richmond's questions. I know he has read the booklet that was published as a part of the open competition which sets out the exact responsibilities in terms of oversight, management and leadership of the Department and of the overall health sector. It is a high-level leadership position in health across the country. The Secretary General is, of course, required to provide advice to the Minister for Health and to three Ministers of State on an ongoing basis. He or she will also participate in a number of different groups of officials and Cabinet committees. He or she will be the Accounting Officer with legal responsibilities under the legislation and will lead the Department's management board. He or she will also be a member of the overall Civil Service management board and the public sector leadership board.