Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 1

Written Answers. - Civil Service Recruitment.

Mary Wallace

Question:

239 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Finance the plans the Civil Service Commission has to resume further special competitions for clerical officers on the same basis as the special competition that was run two years ago to provide an entry avenue for people with disabilities to the Civil Service; the outcome of the competition of two years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3572/03]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

The recruitment needs of the Civil Service are under constant review to reflect changes such as the changing nature of the employment market and the number of vacancies and candidate applications.

There are no plans at present to hold a competition similar to the special competition that was run two years ago. I remain strongly committed to the Government's policy for the employment of people with disability in the Civil Service. In that context, I remain open to the possibility of holding further competitions as required.

Regarding the most recent clerical officer National Rehabilitation Board competition, I can confirm that some 798 applications were received to compete in the examination. Some 600 applicants ultimately sat the stage one tests and of that total, 306 candidates qualified for the interview stage of the competition. Some 203 candidates were successful at the interview stage of the competition and 161 successful candidates have been assigned to date.