Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Fraser for taking the opportunity to address the committee today. I wish to read into the record that our agenda today states that we will be engaging with Martin Fraser, Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach on the appointment of UN special envoys. In doing so it is important to understand the culture in which these special envoys or other top-level positions are allocated. Some of my questions will pertain to culture within the Department and I will be standing firm that such questioning should be allowable under the terms of the agenda.

When did Mr. Fraser know exactly that Katherine Zappone was going to be appointed as a UN envoy? Did he know before they got the memo? Had he heard it? Had there been talk?