Equality Issues.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 April 2004

Tuesday, 6 April 2004

Questions (284)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

375 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to regulate recruitment processes to ensure that prospective employers make the recruitment process transparent from the point of application in view of problems highlighted in the case of a position (details supplied); and if he will take the opportunity of the next bill in this general area to incorporate such provisions into legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10587/04]

Written answers

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

In the case referred to in the question, Dublin City Council engaged the Local Appointments Commission to undertake the initial selection process in accordance with its well-established procedures.

The Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Bill 2003 which is currently before the Oireachtas will, when enacted, provide a modern and efficient framework for public service recruitment to ensure that the current high standards in recruitment and selection procedures are maintained. This legislation will apply initially to senior administrative and technical posts in local authorities which are currently filled by competition conducted by the Local Appointments Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Act 1926. There is also provision to extend by order the application of the Bill to other local authority employments.