Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy's more general point is correct. Much of the focus in the question has been on senior positions. It is quite difficult to obtain private interest in those senior positions. Some of this is bound up with the question of pension provision and there are wider remuneration questions. It is not simply a matter of an administrative culture refusing to accept outsiders although, in the context of the review of the top level appointments committee arrangements, I am conscious of the need to ensure there are adequate safeguards against that. There is a wider pension provision issue, which militates against outside applications.

Deputy Burton's point is of particular importance. I agree with her and I am examining this matter with my officials at present. It is extremely important that the necessary skills sets exist in the Department of Finance. That is not a question that relates to top level appointments. It arises at middle range qualifications and appointments. We have arranged for the appointment of a banking analyst in the Department and the necessary procedures to recruit this individual had to take place outside the normal civil service recruitment procedures. There is, clearly, a need to complement that approach in the fields of accountancy and other areas, although there is a wealth of economic expertise in my Department.

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