Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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We have the Top-Level Appointments Committee, TLAC. I know this committee commented on the role of TLAC in its report. I have informed the Government that I intend to review the role and composition of TLAC. If the committee has any detailed proposals or suggestions for the role of TLAC, I would be more than happy to engage. Until recently, TLAC had 13 members. A lot of work is going through the committee at the moment and there are many vacancies across senior levels in the Civil Service for which recruitment processes are under way. We must bear in mind that membership of TLAC is a part-time role. Following consultation with the Chairman, we have increased the membership from 13 to 16. I acknowledge the need for a wider review. It has, generally, served us well. I believe TLAC has been operating for almost 40 years at this stage and it has played a crucial role in supporting the appointment of senior posts, from assistant Secretary General level up over that period of time. In general, the role has been performed well but it is now timely to conduct a review. I am studying the report this committee published last week. I am also consulting my officials and will consider any proposals the committee wishes to make in that regard.