Public Consultation by Independent Review Panel to review Senior Public Service Recruitment and Pay processes

Why we are launching a public consultation?

Following government approval on Tuesday 29th March, 2022, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath, T.D., established an Independent Review Panel to conduct a review of the current recruitment and pay determination processes in place for Senior Public Service posts, in particular arrangements in the Civil Service.

The objective of the Panel is to review the appointment process of senior level recruitment, including all Secretaries General of Government Departments, and pay determination issues to ensure that guidelines are open and transparent. Please see Terms of Reference in the Documents section below.

The review will encompass consideration of the following issues:

• Current Recruitment Process - independently assess the current recruitment process in place for Senior Public Service posts, in particular in the Civil Service, to provide recommendations and guidance on measures and strategies to improve processes and outcomes.
• Process of determining pay and related terms and conditions for Senior Public Service appointments - review the process for determining terms and conditions for senior posts including relevant Ministerial powers, tenure and pay determination procedures.
• Arrangements for Secretaries General at end of term - examine the retirement and severance terms provided under current Government policy.

The following have been appointed as members of the Panel:

• Chairperson - Dr. Donal de Buitléir - Current Member of The Policy Authority (since March 2021) and former Chairperson of the Low Pay Commission (2015 to 2021).
• Member - Jenny Smyth- Independent Consultant and Former Senior Client Partner, Korn Ferry plc, Global Consultancy.
• Member - Bryan Andrews - Former Chief Executive of the Public Appointments Service from 2004 to 2012. Managing Director of BA and Associates, Executive Coaching and Leadership Development Specialists.

The Independent Review Panel is now seeking submissions on the issues being considered within the Terms of Reference.

How to get involved

Submissions should be sent by email to Reviewpanel@per.gov.ie.

Alternatively submissions can be sent by post to: Review Panel (Room 4.2), Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Government Buildings, Upper Merrion St, Dublin 2, D02 R583

All submissions should include your name, contact address, contact details (including telephone number and e-mail address) and details of any organisation being represented.

The closing date for the receipt of submissions is no later than 5:00 p.m. on 10 August 2022.

Documents

Terms of Reference

Privacy Statement - Public Consultation on the review of Senior Public Service Recruitment and Pay Processes

Terms and Conditions

Secretariat support to the Independent Review Panel will be provided by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). It should be noted that the Independent Review Panel, in the interests of transparency, intends to publish on DPER’s website the content of in scope submissions received in response to this consultation document and the identity of the party making the submission, including their affiliation. Any submission containing commercially sensitive or private or confidential material should therefore clearly identify that portion of the submission which contains such information and specify the reasons for its sensitivity. All submissions received will be subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and may be released or published on foot of third party applications or otherwise. Please check the enclosed Privacy Notice regarding this Public Consultation in relation to the use of personal data that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will collect as data controller in relation to this public consultation process.