Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
258. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures in place to provide for the recruitment of senior personnel, including at ambassador level, from outside her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73353/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn common with all government departments, the recruitment of senior personnel at the grade of Assistant Secretary or higher in my Department is managed independently through Senior Public Service (SPS) mobility and the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC). If a vacancy is not filled through mobility, it is filled under TLAC procedures. TLAC procedures involve public advertisements for competitions on publicjobs.ie.
In addition to these senior level recruitment processes, open recruitment competitions are also held to join the diplomatic service at Third Secretary, First Secretary and Counsellor levels which offers opportunities for individuals outside the Department to join the diplomatic service at junior, mid-career and senior levels.
Ambassadors of Ireland to countries abroad are appointed by the President on the advice of the Government following nomination by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. In considering nominations of people to serve as ambassadors, a range of factors are taken into consideration, including political, economic and trade priorities, and their skills and experiences for the role. Those nominated to Ambassador positions are drawn from existing officials with strongly demonstrated skills and experiences, a system that has contributed to Ireland’s consistently strong international reputation.
