Mr Dermot McCarthy has been appointed secretary-general to the Government. Mr McCarthy has been assistant secretary in the Economic and Social Policy division of the Department of the Taoiseach for the last six years. Educated in Synge Street CBS and Trinity College, he was formerly director of the National Economic and Social Council. His appointment will be effective from January 22nd, when Mr Frank Murray will retire.
Ms Finola Flanagan has been appointed director-general at the Office of the Attorney General with immediate effect. She has been deputy director-general for the last two years.