New clerk of the Dáil appointed after row and 30-month delay

Some 2½ years after the retirement of the last clerk of the Dáil, his successor has been formally appointed. Long-serving Oireachtas official Peter Finnegan, who had been serving as acting clerk since Kieran Coughlan's retirement, has been named as clerk of Dáil Éireann and secretary general of the Houses of the Oireachtas Service.

The clerk of the Dáil provides advice on parliamentary procedures and practices to the Ceann Comhairle and members of Dáil Éireann and is the most senior official in the Oireachtas.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett said that on foot of a recommendation by him to the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, he was happy to offer his congratulations to Mr Finnegan. The appointment follows a competitive process by the Top Level Appointments Commission (TLAC)

“Peter has a long history in public and parliamentary service, both within the Houses of the Oireachtas and beyond,” Mr Barrett said, “and I have no doubt his appointment will allow the service to grow and develop under his strategic direction.”

The delay in the appointment follows a row between the Ceann Comhairle and Mr Coughlan, who retired in August 2013, about how his successor would be chosen. Under 1959 legislation governing the appointment, the ceann comhairle is empowered to nominate an individual to the taoiseach for appointment to the post of clerk of the Dáil. Amending legislation was then introduced under which the Top Level Appointments Committee makes a recommendation to the ceann comhairle.

Mr Barrett said that in accordance with that legislation, the Houses of the Oireachtas (Appointments to Certain Offices) Act 2015 and on foot of a recommendation he made under the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Act, the commission appointed Mr Finnegan.