Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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108. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he plans to change the recruitment processes for senior public service posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20519/22]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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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 selection process for appointment to the positions of Assistant Secretary General and above 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.

The Deputy will be aware that I have, with the approval of Government, established in recent weeks an Independent Review Panel, chaired by Dr. Dónal De Buitléir, to examine these matters.  Specifically, the Review Panel will assess and make recommendations on current recruitment and pay determination processes for senior public service posts.

I anticipate that the Review Panel will be in a position to report their findings later this year.  

Further information on the membership and the Terms of Reference of the Review Board have been published on the Government website and I also attach a copy of these terms here.  

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