Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2013
10. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of positions available under his Department's recruitment of staff (details supplied); when the recruitment is likely to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43472/13]
View answerWith the assistance of the Public Appointments Service, my Department is in the process of recruiting graduates to join the Irish Diplomatic Service at Third Secretary level. The competition was advertised on 20 September and applications were to be made online by 10 October. Candidates will be required to take a number of online and assessment centre tests in October and November, with preliminary and second round interviews due to be held in December and January. The number of appointments made will depend on the Department’s overall staffing position during the lifetime of the new panel, having regard to the exigencies of the targets set for the Department under the Government’s Employment Control Framework. I would hope that it will be possible to make at least 10 appointments immediately.
