Mr. John Howlin:

In general, the job spec for any post, particularly the senior post, is agreed with the hiring Department. While it is reviewed by TLAC, it is generally from their own perspective to ensure that it is open. The principal positions competitions are open recruitment and are not just internal and they may have some comments with regard to technical matters related to that. My general point is that it is demand-led and it is the Department which will determine the requirements.