Department defends new CEO appointment for the CDETB

THE Department of Education has insisted that all proper procedures were followed in the appointment of a new CEO for the City of Dublin Education Board (CDETB).

Current CEO Jacinta Stewart is retiring from her position at the end of the month and will be replaced by Carol Hanney, former chief executive of Dun Laoghaire Vocational Education Committee and wife of ex-Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore.

However, CDETB board member and Dublin North West election candidate, Cllr Andrew Keegan (PBP), is unhappy with how the appointment was made.

Cllr Keegan says he had been looking forward to an open competition to fill the top spot of the second largest education authority in Dublin. 

“Whether Ms Hanney is the best for the position we will never know as there was no open competition,” he said.

“If we want the cream of Irish talent to return home and contribute our society they must have the opportunity to challenge for the top jobs

“It is even more important now to get the best talent as the CDETB is now responsible for skills training at the Ballyfermot and Finglas training centres which are crucial to the future of developing the skills pool for the construction industry,” he said.

Cllr Keegan voted against the appointment, which was rubber-stamped by other board members.

The Department of Education told Northside People the appointment was made in accordance with a trade union agreement negotiated after the establishment of 16 ETBs through the merger of 33 VECs three years ago.

“A situation was created where there was not a sufficient number of positions at the grade of CEO to accommodate all of the existing post holders who had been appointed in a permanent capacity,” a department spokesperson said.

“To address the redeployment of surplus post holders and in accordance with Government policy, the department entered into an agreement with the relevant trade union. 

“All vacancies arising for chief executive of an education and training board are subject to the application of these arrangements before recruitment via the Public Appointments Service can be considered.

“In accordance with the arrangements, Ms Carol Hanney was offered assignment as chief executive of City of Dublin ETB with effect from March 1 and she accepted the offer.”