Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

20. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she or her officials have met the management or board members of Tusla in respect of the recruitment of a CEO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14489/19]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I met with the Chair and representatives of the Tusla Board on two occasions when the recruitment of a permanent Chief Executive Officer for Tusla was discussed among other matters. These meetings took place on 1 October, 2018 and 28 January, 2019.

The Child and Family Agency Act 2013 provides that it is the responsibility of the Board of Tusla to appoint the Chief Executive Officer of the Agency.

The Board of Tusla appointed an interim Chief Executive Officer on 1st October last, following the resignation of the previous incumbent.

At the meeting in October 2018, the Board’s plans, specifications for the Chief Executive Officer role and the intended recruitment process were discussed. At my more recent meeting with the Board in January this year, I received an update that included Tusla's contact with the Public Appointments Service and the use of executive search to assist in the recruitment process.

My officials have liaised with Tusla Human Resource Management and the Tusla Board to provide advice and to assist Tusla in making the necessary preparations for the recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer for a fixed term 5 year contract.

This included engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) to obtain the necessary approval for terms and conditions, as required by the governing legislation, to enable Tusla to finalise the required documentation and advertise the position.

The Deputy may be aware that the position of Chief Executive Officer of Tusla was advertised by the Public Appointments Service on Friday last, 22 March 2019.

In my view and I am sure the Deputy will agree, it is essential that a candidate of the highest calibre is recruited to lead on the transformation and delivery of effective child and family services in Ireland.