Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I am struck by the use of the term "amazed". This is not reflection on Mr. Fraser or any of his colleagues. As he rightly stated, the original allocation of salary, which has been policy for quite some time, is meant to attract people from outside the Civil Service who might be the most suitable. While we all recognise that the Department of Health is a special case, surely Mr. Fraser's own position is also a special case as the most senior civil servant, and the same argument can be made whenever it goes out to competition. There is an impression that we have had four appointments since in a politically charged atmosphere, but once a precedent is set, clarity should be given as to whether it remains a possibility.

My final question will be short. We have spoken about the difference between an acting Secretary General and an interim one and, without naming them, the two individuals who held those positions in the Department of Health. Will Mr. Fraser clarify who appointed the interim Secretary General who is now the Secretary General and what was the process put in place for that appointment?