Departmental Staff Recruitment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2013

Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Questions (142)

Colm Keaveney

Question:

142. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding the recruitment of junior diplomats to his Department, the criteria that were applied in the selection of the type of psychometric tests used at stage one of the recruitment process; if the decision to depart from traditional testing methods, that is, verbal, numeral reasoning and job simulation, in favour of verbal and abstract reasoning was made by his Department or by the Public Appointments Service; in view of the nature of the role, his views on whether personality and-or job simulation would be a key selection method at stage one; if administrating stage one of the process online has resulted in any potential candidates being disadvantaged, in particular those with special requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50544/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is the independent body designated under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 to provide shared service recruitment to the public service and is responsible for the running of the Third Secretary Campaign. PAS is equipped with the specialist expertise for this task and is independent in the running of such processes. Following a comprehensive job analysis, the key competencies required for Third Secretary were identified and appropriate tests selected to evaluate those skills. The assessment tools and techniques being used this year are similar to those employed at previous Third Secretary competitions i.e. reasoning tests and a job simulation exercise. The initial stage of the current selection process was by way of online reasoning tests. Those who achieved the highest scores have been invited to an assessment centre where they will undergo further assessments including reasoning tests and a job simulation exercise. Those successful at that stage may subsequently be invited to attend for interview. As regards candidates with special requirements, PAS has an exemplary record in such matters. Candidates are invited to outline their requirements and each is specially dealt with in response to their own specified needs.