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First female head of Central Statistics Office

Jennifer Banim has been appointed as the first female director general of the Central Statistics Office, with effect from today (31 May).

Banim (small picture) has been a member of the CSO’s management board since 2013 and, before her appointment as director general, was the assistant director general responsible for economic statistics.

Banim joined the CSO as a statistician in 1991 and has since worked in several areas of the organisation.

TLAC process

Her appointment by President Higgins follows a TLAC (top-level appointments committee) process and nomination by the Taoiseach Simon Harris.

The independent committee’s function is to recommend candidates to ministers and government for the most senior positions in the civil service.

The CSO is marking its 75th anniversary this year, having been established on 1 June 1949.

Speaking about her appointment, Banim described the CSO as “an independent and trusted source of insight” and “an indispensable element in a democratic and informed society”.

“Now in its 75th year, the CSO has established a strong connection with the Irish people based on our principles of impartiality, confidentiality, quality, and integrity,” she added.