Vol. 561 No. 1
227 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance the policy on employing ex-offenders in the civil service; the number of ex-offenders who have been employed in the past five years in the civil service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3225/03]
The Civil Service is an equal opportunity employer. The Civil Service Commissioners are responsible for the recruitment of civil servants. Recruitment to posts within the service is on the basis of qualifications and the ability to carry out the responsibilities of the grade or post. Any person who satisfies the stated eligibility requirements may apply for open recruitment positions in the Civil Service. These requirements are set out in the relevant statutory competition regulations.
When considering an applicant's suitability for appointment to a post in the Civil Service, the Civil Service Commissioners are very conscious of their responsibilities and legal obligations. Having a criminal record need not necessarily prevent a person being appointed to a position in the Civil Service. Each such application is examined on a case by case basis. In addressing the issue of a criminal conviction, the commissioners would have regard to such matters as the nature and sensitivity of the post being filled, the classification of the offence, the sentence passed or served, the elapsed time since completion of the sentence and whether the person has re-offended in the interim period.
