asked the Minister for Finance if there is a legal provision which prevents the Civil Service Commission from giving the reason for non-appointment to candidates who have passed the examination for a particular post; and, if so, if there is any way in which this regulation can be altered, because of the embarrassment caused to such candidates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Service Examination Candidates.
18.
The answer to the first part of the question is no. In fact the Civil Service Commissioners in the great majority of cases inform candidates of the reasons for their non-appointment. In the few remaining cases, they are precluded by the public interest from doing so.
Is the Minister not aware that in a recent case referred to in this House a perfectly decent man who was notified that he had passed an examination and got a high place in the examination was subsequently informed that he would not be appointed? Furthermore, is he aware that this is causing considerable embarrassment, not only to the man himself but to his wife and friends? Does the Minister not realise that such a man can be placed in an impossible position because of a stupid arrangement which apparently is to be allowed to continue?
It is possible that circumstances might arise as outlined by the Deputy but I would not admit that this is a stupid arrangement. In fact, I have gone into the matter very fully and I find it very difficult to suggest a better arrangement.
Is the Minister not aware that everybody connected with this case was checked by his Department and by the Department concerned, the Department of Posts and Telegraphs, and they found this man had a clean bill? Even at this late stage, can the Minister not allay the annoyance which has been caused, by stating the reasons why he was not appointed to the position?
If the Deputy would let me know what the case is.
With your permission, Sir, I should like to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
Is the Minister aware that Deputy Tully is referring to the case to which I drew attention in the House some time ago——
It is the same case?
Yes.
——in which the man was declared to be seventh in the examination; 40 were appointed and yet he was denied appointment ?
A postman's job, if you do not mind.