Daniel McConnell: Questions to be answered about appointment of top civil servant

The appointment of Robert Watt to the role of secretary general at the Department of Health has sparked controversy. Daniel McConnell says there are questions to be answered about the appointment.

Robert Watt, whose salary has sparked controversy. File Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins

Two weeks ago, at a lengthy and crucial Cabinet meeting where ministers agreed to place the country into a new level 5 lockdown, another key matter was raised in passing.

It related to the “re-assignment” of a number of secretaries general, or top officials, in a number of Government departments.