Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In September 2020, following an open competition, Mr. Diarmuid Ó Conghaile was appointed aviation regulator and CEO designate of the IAA on a fixed-term contract of seven years. In August of this year, Mr. Ó Conghaile announced his intention to resign his position. He will cease employment with the IAA on 31 October this year. The IAA is in the process of running a recruitment campaign for a replacement CEO. Following consultation between my Department, the IAA and the Public Appointments Service, PAS, the IAA will use an executive search company to support the recruitment campaign. The campaign will also be advertised through the PAS portal.

Under existing legislation, the directors of the board appoint the CEO designate. While the recruitment campaign is ongoing, it is the board's intention to seek approval to appoint an interim aviation regulator and CEO designate. If the Leas-Chathaoirleach wishes me to, I can speak to the amendment.