asked the Minister for Finance why credit for Army service is not given in relation to the age qualification for the appointment of driver examiners under the Department of Local Government, although credit for other Civil Service experience is allowed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Driver Examiners.
43.
The categories of Civil Service Commission competitions in which it is the practice to allow credit for Army service in relation to age regulations were determined by the Government. The competition for Driver Tester in the Department of Local Government is not included in the approved categories and its inclusion was not considered.
Age concessions available to serving civil servants entering for Civil Service competitions are of long standing and wide application. They are independent of age allowances made in respect of Army service.
Does the Minister not agree that it is rather ridiculous that those employed for a number of years in the Civil Service, who have no connection whatever with motor vehicles, can have such an allowance made while soldiers who are in fact using motor vehicles in the course of their Army life, and have an expert knowledge of them, are not allowed the same concession? Is it not ridiculous that that situation should be allowed to arise?
Consideration of this matter by the Government takes place periodically and this particular aspect has not been brought before the Government as yet.
Will the Minister consider bringing it before the Government before the next batch are appointed?
I think it could be considered, yes.