asked the Minister for Finance if he will state how many special confined examinations for the posts of junior executive officers and clerical officers were held during the years 1946, 1947 and 1948, in which ex-members of the forces could compete.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Confined Civil Service Examinations.
During the years mentioned in the question two examinations confined to persons with service in the Defence Forces during the emergency were held for posts of executive officer and two for posts of clerical officer.
The Minister is aware that there is an age limit of 28 and 30 years operating in respect of these men. Numbers of these men are passing out of that particular age limit. There is also a limitation of five years within which these examinations can be held. I would ask the Minister to ensure that an average of at least one per year of these examinations will be held in order to give these men and opportunity of qualifying.
The age limit for the 1947 clerical competition was raised to 35. I know that. I cannot answer for the other matters the Deputy has raised, but it is the view that another examination would not get a number of suitable candidates. We believe that those who are likely to enter the Civil Service in this way have been given their opportunity. We do not think another examination would get any other suitable candidates. I will get the matter examined.