Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

302. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the policy in relation to the re-appointment of persons holding senior posts in State agencies beyond an initial five-year contract; if such a policy applies only to those at chief executive or head of agency level; if he will outline what other posts, or grades, groups and categories this policy applies to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65762/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Individuals in leadership roles such as Chief Executive Officers and other analogous heads of State agencies are typically appointed for a fixed length of time as specified in the primary legislation underpinning the agency, usually five-year fixed term contracts. In particular circumstances this initial contract may be extended for a single and final extension of five years, for a maximum term of ten years. Any such extension would require the approval of the relevant line Minister under whose aegis the State agency operates with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Relevant Government policy and practice, as set out in The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, is that a maximum term of ten years should apply to fixed term posts in State bodies. This policy is applicable to senior leadership roles within State agencies. Given differences in structures and grades operating within State agencies, it is not possible to specify particular grades or posts across all such bodies. However, it is the case that fixed term contracts for CEOs of Commercial State Bodies (CSBs) and non-Commercial State Bodies (NCSBs) have been a long-standing policy and practice of Government.

The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies reflects Government policy in terms of tenure. It is Government policy that the interests of good governance and administration are not best served by having the same individuals in place for an indefinite period.