New head of senior civil service appointment body selected

A former corporate law firm partner has been chosen to head up a committee that recommends candidates for senior civil service positions.

Barbara Cotter, former senior partner at law firm A&L Goodbody, has been appointed as the new chair of the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC). The committee is responsible for making recommendations on candidates for senior civil servant posts to Ministers and the Government.

Ms Cotter, who has been a member of the committee since late 2018, is to replace current chairman Conor Brady, former editor of The Irish Times.

Announcing the appointment, Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath said Ms Cotter would bring a “wealth of experience” as chair of the committee.

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“I am certain she will ensure the recruitment and selection process for the most senior Civil Service posts under TLAC continues to operate to the highest standards of probity and professionalism,” he said.

Mr McGrath added he would like to recognise the work of Mr Brady as chair of the committee as he stepped down from the role.