Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Finance the specific staff posts and grades in respect of which his approval was sought by the Garda Ombudsman Commission, in order to allow the Commission to begin recruitment of staff; the number of posts and grades in respect of which his approval was granted; the number in respect of which permission had been refused; the number in respect of which permission is under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21290/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Garda Síochána Act the numbers and grades of officers of the Ombudsman Commission are subject to the approval of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, with the consent of the Minister for Finance. Accordingly the Ombudsman Commission itself does not seek my approval. It makes proposals on staffing to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and it is then a matter for that Minister to seek my consent to such posts and grades as he deems appropriate. These arrangements are in line with those normally applicable to new bodies created under statute.

As of now my consent has been sought for the creation of the following posts in support of the 3-person Commission consisting of Chair and two members:

(i) Director of Investigations

(ii) Deputy Director of Investigations

(iii) Head of Legal Affairs

(iv) Assistant Principal to head the IT function

(v) Head of Administration.

My consent has been conveyed in respect of posts (i) to (iv) above and also in principle subject to ongoing discussions for item (v). Permission has not been refused in respect of any post. I understand the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will, in early course, be seeking further Investigators and Administrative staff in various grades. At present, the Commission also have the services of a Transitional Team consisting of 1 Principal, 2 Assistant Principal Officers, 2 Higher Executive Officers and 2 Clerical Officers. This is to help them establish their main and regional headquarters and to recruit and train their full complement of permanent staff, especially investigative staff, some of whom are likely to be recruited abroad.