Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Nov 1990

Vol. 402 No. 6

Written Answers - Recruitment Policy.

Richard Bruton

Question:

32 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Labour whether he has satisfied himself with the recruiting policy operated by many public authorities and semi-State bodies whereby only temporary status posts are offered to persons aged over 27 years whom they are recruiting and permanent positions are reserved only for younger workers; in particular, whether he has satisfied himself that the emphasis on temporary positions for older workers is discriminating against women who are more likely to be returning to the workforce in their later years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Labour (Mr. B. Ahern)

Not all civil service competitions feature age limits; where they do exist they vary considerably, based on considerations of qualifications and experience. In general the age limits have been increased in recent years to allow an opportunity to persons who might not have opportunities for competing for public service jobs during the embargo on recruitment.

In the local authority service and health boards age limits vary depending on the type of office and the requirements of the office relating to education and experience. The age limits on recruitment do not differentiate between permanent and temporary appointments. Age limits are being examined in the context of the on-going review of recruitment policy in relation to the Civil Service, local authority and health board recruitment grades.

As regards semi-State bodies recruitment policy, including the question of age limits, is a matter for the individual organisations.

There are a number of cases currently before the Labour Court equality service on related issues. I would like to assure the Deputy that from the perspective of indirect discrimination I am having the matter actively examined.