Barbara Cotter

The non-statutory committee, established in 1984, recommends candidates to ministers and government for the most senior positions in the civil service.

Ms Cotter succeeds Conor Brady, who chaired TLAC since November 2019 and served as a member of the committee since November 2016.

She has been a member of the TLAC since September 2018. She currently also serves as chairperson of the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland and holds a number of non-executive directorships.

A former senior partner with A&L Goodbody, Ms Cotter was educated at UCD and the Law Society of Ireland. She is a chartered director and a member of the Institute of Directors.

Public expenditure and reform minister Michael McGrath said: “Barbara Cotter brings a wealth of experience to the role of chair, having sat on this committee since 2018 and I wish her well.

“I am certain she will ensure the recruitment and selection process for the most senior Civil Service posts under TLAC continues to operate to the highest standards of probity and professionalism.

“I thank the outgoing chairperson Conor Brady for his contribution as chairperson of TLAC. I would particularly like to recognise his work and dedication as chair over the period of the Covid-19 pandemic, which ensured that the committee continued their important work despite the challenges arising from public health requires.”