Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Taoiseach. The last time I raised this issue he said no external applications would be invited and there would be no independent involvement in filling these posts, even though this directly contradicts stated Fine Gael policy. His only justification then was that this is the way it has always been. Both jobs are being filled at the same time. The process is important as it will determine the leadership of his Department and the Cabinet secretariat for at least the next seven years. Who has taken the role of assessing the potential appointees? What measures has the Taoiseach put in place to make sure everyone involved in helping him to assess the candidates reveals to him any connections they may have to the applicants? Has he put in place guidelines for the selection process?

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