News & Events

Seminar on Accountability in the Public Sector

Mason Hayes & Curran, was delighted to host the fourth in our series of seminars for senior civil servants on Friday 14th November 2008.

The seminar focused on “Accountability in the Public Sector”. Topics discussed and guest speakers were as follows: Mr James Hamilton, Director of Public Prosecutions who focused on “Accountability in our Criminal Justice System” in which he discussed the motivation behind his recent announcement of giving reasons for certain decisions.

The second speaker was Professor Niamh Brennan, Centre for Corporate Governance UCD who focused on “Accountability and Best Practice: Lessons from the Corporate World”. Professor Brennan’s informative session discussed how the public sector can learn from the private sector and vice versa.

There was a brief break for light refreshments and the following two speakers then led an equally enthusiastic second half to the day. Dr. Tracey Cooper, CEO Health Information and Quality Authority led the later part of discussions focusing on “Accountability in our Health Sector”. Dr Cooper spoke about her current role and experience as the head of HIQA and stated that the sophistication of good governance and accountability is in their simplicity, clarity and connectivity.

The final speaker was Bernard McDonald, Assistant Ombudsman for Children, who spoke on the topic “Putting Children First: Accountability in our Education, Health, Social and Justice Systems”.  Mr Mc Donald discussed the development of the Office and its efforts to further its goals. 

This fourth seminar was another successful, well attended and informative session with engaging question and answer sessions.

Pictured above from left, Emer Gilvarry, Managing Partner, Mason Hayes & Curran and Mr James Hamilton, Director of Public Prosecutions.

Pictured above from centre Dr Brian Hunt, Head of Public Affairs, Mason Hayes & Curran and seminar delegates.

If you have any queries regarding this seminar or Mason Hayes & Curran’s future plans for seminars focusing on the public sector, please contact: Dr Brian Hunt, head of public affairs on 01 614 5000.