Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I have no plans to disband the top level appointments committee, TLAC. In April of this year the Government decided the membership of TLAC would be changed to include a majority of outside members. Heretofore the majority of the membership comprised serving civil servants. I was of the view this should be changed immediately and it was included in the programme for Government. The new TLAC comprises a majority of outside members, one of whom is the chairperson. The new committee is charged with identifying and selecting candidates for the most senior positions throughout the Civil Service. The interview panels also include a majority of, and are chaired by, external members.

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