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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 2

Written Answers. - Civil Service Recruitment.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

214 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the reason public service recruitment rules are prejudiced against those who are middle aged, experienced and have often done courses but who do not have the leaving certificate in view of the fact this was not the norm when they were forced to leave school (details supplied); his views on whether this amounts to ageism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15450/99]

As Minister for Finance my responsibility for recruitment policy relates to the Civil Service alone. In order to ensure that no person is discriminated against on grounds of age, I have reset the upper age limit for general service competitions to 65. Educational qualifications of the type mentioned are only applicable to competitions where they are deemed relevant. In the case of the Civil Service open competition for clerical officer positions, which I gather is of particular interest to the Deputy, the situation is that, while candidates must have a good general education, there is no specific requirement for the leaving certificate.

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