The open clerical assistant (typist) competition, advertised in November 1996, attracted 2,453 applications. This competition was required to establish four panels of suitably qualified typists to fill vacancies in the Dublin area. In addition to the main panel, the competition provided for three additional panels for specific categories to be established as follows: (1) for those who were registered or entitled to be registered with the National Rehabilitation Board, (2) for those who had served in the Civil Service and had resigned their position on or before 1 October 1996, and (3) for those who are fluent in Irish.
The competition comprised three stages consisting of a written clerical aptitude test, a typing test for those who obtained the required standard in the written test and finally a competitive interview for those who reached the required standard in the typing test. The first stage was attended by 1,366 applicants of whom 626 reached the required standard and progressed to the second stage; 533 attended for the typing test and 199 reached the required standard. These candidates have been contacted regarding an interview and while 94 candidates have been interviewed to date it is anticipated that the remaining candidates will be interviewed in the near future.
No assignments have been made as yet but it is anticipated that assignments will begin to be made from this competition in late April. There is currently a backlog of clerical assistant (typist) vacancies to be filled. As it is not anticipated that the number available from these panels will be sufficient to meet demands for typists towards the end of the year, a further competition was advertised in April 1997. The recently advertised competition will also provide for some provincial panels.
