merrion street

I welcome the appointment by the Government today of Mr. Declan O’Neill to the post of Taxing Master. Mr O’Neill was selected following an open competitive process held by the Public Appointments Service who sought expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons.

As declared in my Standards in Public Office return, Mr. O’Neill contributed €1,000 to my election campaign in 2007. As a leading practitioner in his field, he has also undertaken work pursuant to instructions from my former legal practice as, indeed, he has for many legal firms throughout the country. As the outstanding candidate for this position, it would be completely wrong if he were excluded from appointment to it having been nominated by the Public Appointments Service due to his having made a political donation or due to professional work undertaken by his practice.

The appointment arises following the retirement of one of the two Taxing Masters, Mr. Charles Moran.