Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Wright found that in the Canadian Government in Ottawa, approximately 60% of senior staff had qualifications in economics at masters level and above compared to only 7% in the Department of Finance in Dublin. Has this deficit been rectified and is it a good idea that we do not have open competition for this vital post? Perhaps we could have a debate in the House with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, and discover whether there has been a policy change. He seemed to favour more outside representation for the top level appointments committee, TLAC.