UDARAS na Gaeltachta has been heavily criticised by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs over the manner in which they appointed a former chief executive to a consultancy role.

Ruan O'Bric was awarded the role in November, seven months after he took early retirement from his position as chief executive.

The contract is valued at 185,000 euro over three years, but was not advertised beforehand.

The part-time consultancy role requires Mr O'Bric to raise private monies for NUI Galway's four Gaeltacht campuses. 'Acadamh na hOllscoiliochta na Gaeilge' will be developed at three established campuses in Gweedore, Carna and Carraroe in Galway and a planned fourth campus is in Ballyferriter, Co. Kerry. The intiative is costing 52 million euro.

The Department sent a letter to Udaras na Gaeltachta outlining a number of restrictions that must apply to the agency.

GRAVE CONCERN

It stated that it was 'a source of grave concern' that the agency did not comply with certain provisions issued by the Department of Finance regarding the retirement of chief executives to state bodies.

They have also informed the Comptroller and Auditor General of their concerns. The chief executive of the agency, Mr Padraig O'hAolain responded by saying it was a 'difference in interpretation' of the guidelines between the department and the agency, and that department officials had been informed of this prior to the issue of the letter.

He added that Mr' O'Bric's new position was an exceptional one and that he was not working directly for the Udaras.