Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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102. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline the processes that are in place for the recruitment of persons to positions of Secretary General in Departments: if he will clarify whether or not the State increases salary proposals if applications for such posts are not forthcoming as a means by which to generate more interest in the posts being advertised. [21254/22]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924, the Secretary General of a Department is appointed by the Government on the recommendation of the relevant Minister. 

The selection process for appointment to the position of Secretary General is generally undertaken by the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) with the assistance of the Public Appointments Service (PAS).  As the Deputy is aware, TLAC is an independent body and its role is to support Government in its consideration of appointments to the most senior levels in the Civil Service.  TLAC operates under the Code of Practice issued by the Commission for Public Service Appointments.

On conclusion of the TLAC process, TLAC may recommend to the relevant Minister up to 3 names (in alphabetical order) who, in its judgement, meet the required standard for appointment as Secretary General. 

A small number of top level positions have traditionally been excluded from the TLAC process on account of the uniqueness and importance of these strategic posts.

As Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have statutory responsibility under the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956 for the remuneration and grading structure of civil servants, including for Secretary General posts.

The current salaries for Secretary General posts are set out in DPER Circular 04/2022 - Application of 1st February 2022 pay adjustments.  The terms and conditions are determined in line with public service pay policy, with regard to the duties and responsibilities of the posts, and with a view to attracting and retaining suitably qualified candidates for these senior leadership positions.

The Deputy will be aware that I have, with the approval of Government, this month established an Independent Review Panel tasked to evaluate and make recommendations on current pay determination and recruitment processes for senior public service posts including Secretaries General.

Further information on the various stages of the TLAC selection process, the referenced Pay Circular and details of the Independent Review Panel and its Terms of Reference are available on the Government website.