Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

In any situation where a vacancy arises those responsible for finding a suitable candidate are charged, rightly, with finding the best person for the job. In the Oireachtas we are charged with the important work of representing the best interests of the Irish people, and appointing the best possible candidates is therefore vital.

I wholeheartedly welcome these proposals as they tackle a significant failing in the current legislation. In particular, the Clerk of the Dáil is a key role that requires the highest professional standards. With that in mind, it is a problem that the current situation only permits the sourcing of external candidates when internal candidates cannot be found. While I do not doubt the ability of those who go forward for this role, I believe that talent and expertise that could benefit our citizens never gets the chance even to be considered. Hence, I endorse the utilisation of the independent selection mechanism, such as features in the wider public service, and the opening up of competition for the position.

The Top Level Appointments Committee, TLAC, approach for senior appointments, which sees candidates put forward by expert boards with the majority membership from the private sector, is effective but is not compatible with the appointment process currently in place. Addressing this is something I welcome as it is in keeping with the ethos of this Government.

In updating the hiring process for the position of Clerk of the Dáil, it makes sense that this legislation would also update the hiring process for similar roles, specifically Clerk of the Seanad, Clerk Assistant of the Dáil and Clerk Assistant of the Seanad. I understand the current hiring system for these roles is similar to that for the role of Clerk of the Dáil, the problems with which have been outlined already by a number of speakers. Given the rank of these roles, filling them from those currently in the Oireachtas service is not something I am opposed to, and I accept the trajectory of appointment selection as it is proposed. However, I would emphasise the benefits of open competition, that is, external and internal competition between suitably qualified candidates, and the potential that outside blood could bring to these roles. While not the Clerk of the Dáil, these are still key roles within the Oireachtas.

I emphasise our duty to the Irish people to find the best candidates possible for these positions but I want to make a suggestion raised earlier by several of my colleagues which might be considered. It relates to the permanency of the positions of Clerk of the Dáil and Clerk of the Seanad. I appreciate the rationale behind the rotation of these roles but security of tenure is vital if we are to attract the most able and diligent people.