FÁS Chief Executive Appointment Process
The Minister said the post was publicly advertised and a selection board produced a panel from which he would choose a director general within days. Spring criticised the delay and asked whether the Minister would choose from a panel; Ahern confirmed he would.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline the procedure being used to fill the position of Chief Executive of FÁS; and when an appointment will be made.
Comment on this
Because of the national importance of the post of director general of FÁS, I decided that I should advertise it in the public press and in that way attract the widest possible field of candidates. Accordingly, I had the post advertised during the last week of August 1987 and the first week of September 1987.
As indicated in the public advertisement, I set up a selection board to assist me in reviewing the applications. The selection board comprised a senior businessman, who acted as chairman, the Secretary to the Government and the Secretary of my own Department.
The selection board examined all applications and interviewed those candidates whom they considered best qualified for the job.
On completion of the interviews, the selection board reported to me. I am, at present, considering their report and I hope to announce the name of the new director general shortly.
Comment on this
I should like to put it to the Minister that the delay that has occurred since the advertisement appeared and the inaugural meeting of FÁS is unacceptable and has damaged the morale of the three organisations who have been waiting for the changes to be implemented. Secondly, did the Minister instruct the interview board to give him a number of names or one name of the person to fill the post?
Comment on this
I took the unusual step of proceeding earlier than required. The director general is not required until 1 January but I announced this in August so that we would have time to hold interviews.
There may have been delays in getting the three people together but I do not believe any damage has been done and I explained this personally to the board. I have a panel and I will pick a name from that panel within a matter of days.