Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 3

Written Answers. - Staff Recruitment.

Seán Ryan

Question:

128 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to an advertisement from Fingal County Council for positions of analyst-programmer and programmer which restricts applications to the local government common recruitment pool while at the same time states that the council is an equal opportunities employer; if he has satisfied himself with this arrangement; if not, his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29586/03]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

The common recruitment pool system, which has been in operation for more than 20 years, provides for the filling of posts at grades IV to VII in local authorities and other relevant agencies by competition confined to local authorities, health boards, vocational education committees, institutes of technology and certain other health and local government agencies.

This arrangement has not been considered incompatible with the provisions of employment equality legislation. The common recruitment pool system is specifically addressed by Sustaining Progress which provides that the parties will conduct a cross-sectoral review of recruitment issues pertinent to the relevant grades, including greater accessibility and the introduction of a graduate entry level. This review is under way.