Head of Department of Health to take over Department of Finance

[DCon]

LEADING CIVIL servant Michael Scanlan, head of the Department of Health, is emerging as a prime contender to take charge of the Department of Finance when its current chief retires, possibly within two months.

The powerful job, which is the most senior in Irish officialdom, is in the gift of the Cabinet. As well as leading the Department of Finance, the holder is chief of the entire Civil Service.

David Doyle, who has led the Department of Finance since mid-2006, becomes eligible for retirement in November, but his contract runs until June.

Scanlan tipped to take over as Department of Finance chief - The Irish Times - Sat, Sep 19, 2009

One question I have is what the hell this man does as the head of the Department of Health. Does he manage the outsourced relationship (to the HSE) or does he just massage Harney's ego when needed?

[ang]

Look at the Health Dept, how effective will he be in finance? I'm sure massaging Mary's ego, is part of the job description. How good will he be at massaging Brian's ?

[BodyofEvidence]

and where does the present head of finance go? NTMA (nama-daddy) we hear.

[sharper]

One question I have is what the hell this man does as the head of the Department of Health. Does he manage the outsourced relationship (to the HSE) or does he just massage Harney's ego when needed?

This is a question I'd like answered for all the top positions. We're told these guys need massive salaries to attract the best talent, but to do what? They don't set policy, they don't set hiring practises, they can't even hire and fire!

[ang]

This is a question I'd like answered for all the top positions. We're told these guys need massive salaries to attract the best talent, but to do what? They don't set policy, they don't set hiring practises, they can't even hire and fire!

Maybe so, but they make good scape goats.

[Lazarus]

Scanlan tipped to take over as Department of Finance chief - The Irish Times - Sat, Sep 19, 2009

One question I have is what the hell this man does as the head of the Department of Health. Does he manage the outsourced relationship (to the HSE) or does he just massage Harney's ego when needed?

Well thats that then. It was nice knowing you all. See you grazing in the fields maybe.

[Eamonn76]

If the head of the Dept of Finance is moved Eamon Ryan will claim it as a victory for accountability. Even if he is just retiring as normal, goes to the NTMA and is replaced by someone from the Department of Hell, sorry Health.
Wait and see. Still, the new guy has good experience of managing the ongoing disaster of health policy, so I can see why this wretched government would want him to manage the destruction of our prosperity.