Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not privy to the deliberations of the board. It must make up its own mind about any office. The board recommended in December that this individual be reappointed. The concern that was brought to my attention did not relate to the board's wish to have an open competition, but its fear that a legal question would arise whereby an individual who was given a second term could then have an indefinite contract. That was the issue that was sought to be resolved. Following its resolution by my Department using precedent from other circumstances and designing a contract that would protect against that eventuality, the Teaching Council decided in December to proceed with its original decision, namely, to reappoint the director. That was entirely fair and in accordance with proper procedure. It is not a requirement that every time a post comes up, a person in position would be required to enter a fresh competition. This individual was selected by competition in 2012 and the board wished to reappoint him. The issue that needed to be resolved was resolved and the board has confirmed that position.

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