Copies of documents concerning promotions in the Department of Foreign Affairs were sought by the chairman of the Fine Gael parliamentary party, Mr Phil Hogan TD, on August 11th under the Freedom of Information Act. Mr Hogan clarified what he was seeking on September 3rd, and a number of documents were supplied on September 9th by the Department. Some of the documents have parts of sentences and names deleted. Below are extracts from some of the documents.
Memo from the Secretary General of the Department, Mr Padraic MacKernan, to the Minister, Mr Andrews:
Minister,
You will have received yesterday an account of consultations undertaken since Thursday last on receipt of your proposals for Head of Mission and other transfers, together with the written responses of the officers involved.
As Secretary General, I had some time ago (25 March 1998) submitted at your request a set of proposals which related to particular posts including a range of options for transfers. These sought to take account of the individual circumstances, experience and capacities of the officers concerned and the needs of the Department at this time.
The usual procedure before bringing the memorandum to Government in these cases is for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to discuss it with the Taoiseach. Of course, in the final analysis, the nomination and appointment of ambassadors is a matter for decision by the Government. However, I believe it is my duty as Secretary General, in view of the deep unhappiness and concern expressed in writing by the majority of the officers involved, respectfully to request that you inform the Taoiseach of their reactions to the transfers envisaged. It is unprecedented that so many senior officers in this Department should be transferred or appointed unwillingly to positions despite their formal misgivings.
Padraic MacKernan Secretary General 26 May 1998
Memo from Mr Andrews to Mr MacKernan:
Secretary General,
Your note of 22 June refers. 1. Re Paragraph 5, I agree to the promotion of the four officers listed.
2. Re Paragraphs 8/9, I have noted the position on the opening of Ankara.
3. Re Paragraph 10, I have noted your views on promotion policy. I would intend, following some discussion with Cabinet colleagues, to bring forward some ideas of my own later in the year.
4. The Government, on my recommendation, also decided yesterday to upgrade the four Consulates in the United States, thus upgrading five posts. I believe that this will help the apparent promotion difficulty in the Department, the extent of which concerns me. I will also be considering other possibilities to ease these hold-ups, and in this way to further develop morale in the Department.
David Andrews TD Minister for Foreign Affairs 2 July 1998
Memo from Mr MacKernan to Mr Andrews:
Confidential
Minister
Thank you for minute of 2 July. I have noted the points set out therein.
1. Promotion of the four officers recommended on paragraph 5 of my note to you of 22 June 1998.
2. The position [deleted] opening a resident Embassy in Ankara.
3. The Government decision on the upgrading of the four Consulates-General in the United States.
This is a most welcome and positive development for which I and my colleagues on the MAC are most appreciative. Implementation of the decision will need to be handled carefully. This is because [deleted]. Obviously the implications of the Government decision for these officers needs to be clarified.
I understand you wish to promote Niall Holohan and Conor O'Riordan. I would like to request a meeting as soon as possible to discuss with you the measures necessary to give effect to this and to discuss with you your ideas regarding options for the position of Ambassador to Ankara.
Padraic MacKernan Secretary General 2 July 1998
Memo from Mr Andrews to Mr McKernan:
Secretary General,
I direct that Mr Conor O'Riordan and Mr Niall Holohan be promoted to Counsellor rank.
David Andrews TD Minister for Foreign Affairs 2 July 1998
In handwriting at the bottom of the note is the following: Received 9.20 am 3 July 1998 Padraic MacKernan Secretary General Department of Foreign Affairs
Letter from Mr MacKernan to Mr Andrews: Personal and Confidential 15 July 1998
Dear Minister
As you know I have been seeking a meeting with you for some time to discuss urgent and important Departmental business. My latest minute to you in this regard was submitted on 9 July. A number of officers already in the United States or due to leave for posts there (one on [deleted]) have been pressing to know what is to happen to them as a result of the decision to upgrade the Consulates General in the United States. The Ambassador in the United States has also been in constant contact with me on the same question.
Against this background and in order to meet my obligations as Secretary General of this Department I must request a meeting with you today. I am available at any time as always.
Yours sincerely
Padraic MacKernan, Secretary General