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

My view from the beginning was that in filling the permanent role in the Department of Health, there should be an open, competitive process, which is what we now have. It is important to see who may have an interest in applying for the role, whether in Ireland or internationally. People all over the world have tremendous experience in leading public and private sector organisations. The Chair referred to the note from Robert Watt to me on 15 December, which acknowledged that it was my view that there should be an open Top Level Appointments Committee competition.