Fine Gael: Minister filled €165k post after phone call

GREEN Minister Eamon Ryan is under attack for appointing a new energy regulation enforcer without holding an open application process for the lucrative post.

The Commissioner for Energy Regulation job carries a salary of €165,000 and was handed out by the minister after a phone conversation and without a formal interview process for candidates, Fine Gael insisted.

The party’s energy spokesperson, Simon Coveney, said the decision went against Mr Ryan’s “moral stance” on such issues when in opposition.

“It is indefensible for this vital post to be filled in such a manner. This is one of the most important appointments Minister Eamon Ryan will make during the lifetime of this Government. The Commission for Energy Regulation will be responsible for restructuring the energy market and ensuring price competitiveness and energy security into the future. It comprises a chairman and two commissioners, both of whom are paid €165,000 a year.

“However, instead of holding a full and open application process, Eamon Ryan simply phoned up Garrett Blaney and offered him one of the Commissioner jobs. There was no interview process, no invitation for others to put themselves forward for consideration, not even a head-hunting exercise. In fact there was no process at all.

“When Eamon Ryan was in opposition, he would have been the first to protest a Fianna Fáil minister making an appointment in such a manner. Of all Government politicians, Minister Ryan has put himself on a pedestal as the man to change and modernise the Government appointments process. Ironically, the Minister’s Fianna Fáil predecessor held a full interview process for the very same position a number of years ago,” he said.

“This also goes against existing Government policy which last year claimed it was encouraging the moving of Commissioners between agencies.

A spokesman for the minister said Government regulations allow the appointment with the agreement of the Finance Minister.