asked the Minister for Finance the manner in which applications were invited for candidates for the post of County Development Team Secretary for West Cork; the number of applications received; the number of applicants who were interviewed; and the manner in which the decision to call certain applicants for interview and not to call others for interview was arrived at.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Cork Development Team Post.
7.
Mr. Barrett
I have no direct function in relation to the making of appointments as county development team secretaries since these appointments will be made by the appropriate county development teams in consultation with the central development committee. I am informed, however, that the teams and the committee decided that a circular letter should be issued to all Government Departments, local authorities and State-sponsored bodies inviting applications for the team secretary posts. This letter was issued by my Department, which provides the secretarial facilities for the central development committee.
I understand that a total of 475 candidates applied for these posts. It is not possible, however, to state the number whose applications referred to the West Cork appointment since many candidates did not specify any particular county in their applications. All the applications were examined by representatives of the county development teams and the central development committee and 63 candidates who appeared suitable and best qualified for appointment were called for interview. I have no information as to the method of selection of candidates for interview but I am assured that an exhaustive examination of all the applications was made so as to ensure that all suitable candidates for these important posts were called for interview.