Department of Justice on track to fill top role after two-year vacancy

The Department of Justice will shortly fill its two-year vacancy for secretary general, the Irish Independent reports.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has increasingly come under pressure to fill the key role, which has been vacant since the resignation of Brian Purcell in July 2014.

A spokesperson for Ms Fitzgerald said: “The post was advertised across the public service during the summer with a closing date earlier this month, and an appointment is expected to be made shortly.”

Jim O’Callaghan, justice spokesperson for Fianna Fáil, said the need for an appointment was urgent.

Mr O’Callaghan told the Irish Independent: “Although the Department of Justice has a very effective acting secretary general, who has fulfilled the role for the last two years, it is imperative that the position of secretary general is filled in the near future.

“A permanent secretary general is essential to dealing with the many challenges faced by the Department of Justice in the immediate future.”