Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have asked the Taoiseach here whether the new arrangements would require legislation. It appears from the Minister's reply that he is now talking about guidelines. Guidelines are voluntary and Ministers can take or ignore them. While the Public Appointments Service will have a role under the new arrangements, it will be up to the relevant Minister to decide and the relevant Minister will still have the power to appoint people who do not even go through the service. It is important to know who will enforce the new procedure. Will the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform have a direct oversight role in regard to how Ministers behave in relation to the new regime?

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