The Government has approved the appointment of Mr John Hurley as the new Secretary-General of the Department of Finance. A native of Mallow, Co Cork, he will take over what is considered to be one of the most powerful positions in the public service on March 10th when the present incumbent, Mr Paddy Mullarkey, retires.

In recent weeks, it had been speculated that the Government would go outside the Department of Finance to fill the position of Secretary-General.

The name of Mr Paul Haran, the Secretary-General of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, had been mentioned.

The second secretary at the Department of Finance, Mr Michael Tutty and Mr Hurley were considered the most serious contenders from within the Department.

Mr Hurley (54) was educated at University College Dublin and the Kings Inn. He is described by colleagues as reserved.

After almost 20 years in various positions in the Department of Finance, he was appointed Assistant Secretary in the Department of Health in 1986. Four years later, he became Secretary-General in the Department of Health.

Mr Hurley returned to the Department of Finance in 1994 when he was appointed at Secretary-General level with responsibility for the management, organisation, staffing and reform of the public service.

This position gave Mr Hurley a central role in negotiations on the last two partnership deals - Partnership 2000 and the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. He was the Government's representative as employer in the negotiations.

Mr Hurley has also had responsibility for the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act.

He is chairman of the Top Level Appointments Committee, which makes recommendations to the Cabinet on the appointment of senior positions in the civil service.

The appointment is for a seven-year term, although Mr Hurley will retire in 2006 when he reaches 60.