Jim Higgins
Question:67 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance if he has satisfied himself with the operation of the principle of equality of employment in the recruitment of ushers to the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Written Answers. - Equality of Employment.
Appointments in the Civil Service are open to both men and women. The position of Usher in the Houses of the Oireachtas is no exception. Ushers are recruited to the Houses of the Oireachtas by means of competitions held by the Civil Service Commission. I am satisfied that the Civil Service Commission satisfactorily operate the principle of equality of employment in these competitions. An open competition for appointments as Usher will be announced shortly and it will be clearly stated that the Civil Service Commission is committed to a policy of equal opportunity. Members of interview boards convened by the Civil Service Commission are briefed on the Civil Service policy in relation to equality of opportunity and in addition are provided with written guidelines stating the policy in relation to the conducting of interviews.