Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 504: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in respect of the appointment of county managers, he will ask the Public Appointments Service which conducts the interviewing and appointment process to ensure that all candidates for the post of county manager have an adequate knowledge of and commitment to heritage, conservation, development and promotion, as an integral part of the job of a county manager; the steps his Department has taken in this regard, to advise the Public Appointments Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22297/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Under section 160 of the Local Government Act, 2001 the Minister may, having consulted with the Public Appointments Service, declare qualifications of such classes and descriptions as he/she thinks fit for a specified employment under a local authority or for employments belonging to a specified class, description or grade. The qualifications set out general criteria in relation to such matters as broad experience and education for the office of county manager, office of city manager and town clerk, office of assistant county manager and office of assistant city manager. These qualifications are complemented by the competency-based approach used in the selection process undertaken on behalf of local authorities by the Public Appointments Service.

The Public Appointments Service, in co-operation with my Department and the relevant local authorities, conducts the interview process which precedes the appointment by a county or city council of a county or city manager. Each candidate's knowledge in areas of relevance to the performance and functions of local government is assessed through a comprehensive competency based interview process. Preliminary interviews are based on career achievements, personal contribution, and managerial efficiency, with final interview competencies based on strategic management, resource management, and people management / leadership skills. These competencies are kept under constant review.