Open competition needed for new Health boss to ensure public confidence – Kelleher

Published on: 19 July 2012


Fianna Fáil Health Spokesperson Billy Kelleher has said the Minister for Health should immediately outline the process that will be put in place to ensure there is an open competition for the appointment of a new Director-General for the health service.

Deputy Kelleher said: “It is essential that there is a clear, independent, open process to select the six new directors of the health service.  Minister Reilly has already appointed a new secretary-general in the department, will be appointing a new Director-General to replace Cathal Magee and the new leaders of the new Directorates as well.

“Dr. Reilly is already stacking the Special Delivery Unit with hand-picked people and with the new Directorate roles to be filled he’s effectively appointing a Health-Cabinet with no accountability to the Dáil.

“Despite the Minister’s million euro-plus team of advisors he’s failing to provide any leadership in the health service to the extent that we’re facing severe cuts to frontline services to tackle the projected €500m deficit.

“There is a clear role for the Oireachtas Health Committee in these appointments and the Minister should clearly state what process will be put in place to ensure openness and transparency in the selection process.”

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