asked the Minister for Finance if he will state in respect of the past five years (1) the number of posts advertised by the Civil Service Commission; (2) the number of applications received; and (3) the amount collected in application fees; and if, in order to avoid hardship to applicants with young families, he will dispense with the payment of fees by future applicants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Applications for Civil Service Posts.
13.
The statistical information sought by the Deputy is:— (1) 7,629; (2) 52,023; and (3) £56,835.
As regards the last part of the question, the general standard of fees charged to candidates seems to me quite reasonable and should not cause hardship. It is long standing policy to charge application fees at open competitions. This has the effect of reducing the cost to the taxpayer of these competitions and of keeping the candidature within reasonable bounds thereby minimising the delay in making appointments.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary think it right and proper to exploit young families to the tune of £3 per head? Take a case of 300 applicants for three posts. Is it not time that was stopped?
I have stated the reason why the present practice should be adopted.
Shame on you.
14.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will state in respect of the past three years (1) the amount collected in application fees by the Civil Service Commission; (2) the number of applications involved; and (3) the number of posts involved.
The information required is:—(1) £37,847; (2) 34,808; and (3) 7,640 persons selected for appointment.