NTMA criticised over job process

POLITICIANS and the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) clashed over the “inside appointment” of a director to head up a new body that will manage state assets.

Criticism was levelled at the NTMA yesterday over the decision not to advertise for, hold interviews for or even reveal the salary of the director of NewEra.

The Government last week announced the establishment of NewEra, which will handle the sale and management of state assets.

The body will form part of the NTMA and be overseen by its director, Eileen Fitzpatrick.

Shane Ross TD yesterday questioned NTMA chief executive John Corrigan about the appointment of the director during a hearing of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Mr Ross queried why the new director position was not sought outside of the NTMA and was also critical of the refusal to reveal her salary. He suggested the job decision was an “insider appointment”.

Mr Corrigan said it was NTMA policy not to discuss salaries of positions outside of the three chiefs executive as the agency operated similar to a business model.