What we oversee

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We are the regulator for appointments to positions in the civil and public service made under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004.

In these cases, a public body must ensure its appointments are fair, transparent and merit-based and that they adhere to our Code of Practice.

We oversee appointments to:

  • The Civil Service
  • The Health Service Executive
  • An Garda Síochána (up to inspector grade)
  • Positions to which the Local Authorities Act 1926 applies (technical and professional posts)
  • Public bodies where the selection must be made under the Act

We do not oversee appointments to:

  • The private sector
  • Public bodies where the selection does not need to be made under the Act
  • Positions set up under the Constitution
  • Office-holder positions, such as Ministers of Government and of State, Attorney General and Ombudsman
  • Presidential and government roles
  • Officer of the Houses of the Oireachtas
  • Special adviser
  • Some temporary positions made in the public interest
  • Positions designated as scheduled occupations under the Act – such as service officers, watchmen and cleaners

What does this mean?

If an appointment has to be made in line with the Act, a fair and merit-based selection process must be carried out. The selection process must:

  • Adhere to the Code of Practice
  • Include the review and appeal mechanisms set out in the Code
  • Be carried out by a body that holds a recruitment licence (for external recruitment only)

How can I check?

You can find out if an appointment is subject to the Act by checking the public body’s governing legislation at www.irishstatutebook.ie.

If it says appointments are to be made under the Act (or that the employees are civil servants), then the appointments are subject to our Code of Practice and oversight.

If the public body was set up before 2004, the legislation may say appointments must be made in line with the Civil Service Commissioners Act 1956. These appointments are also subject to our Code and oversight.

In some cases, the legislation of a public body may specify that some appointments are subject to the Act, while others are not. Contact us if you are not sure.