3 top government posts to be filled internally

THE Government has defended its decision not to advertise three top department jobs externally saying the positions can be signed off on by the Cabinet.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said the positions were government appointees and therefore did not fall within the remit of a vetting body.

The three secretary general positions were announced internally in departments last week and will not be vetted by any commission or external body. During the election, Fine Gael and Labour pledged to open up the appointment of senior public-sector posts.