Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
415. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason non EEA citizens cannot apply for Civil Service jobs; his plans to allow anyone in possession of a Stamp 4 visa to apply for any job; and if not the reason for same. [12941/14]
View answer426. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if non-EEA nationals are eligible to apply for posts in the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13116/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 426 together.
Posts in the Irish Civil Service are generally open to suitably qualified candidates who are nationals of an EU Member State or the European Economic Area (EEA). Such individuals have the right under the EU Treaties to reside and take up employment in any EEA Member State. Non-EEA citizens do not benefit from these rights and do not automatically qualify to compete for these roles.
From time to time, professional or specialist posts the civil service are advertised where reflecting specific requirements for particular expertise or skills a more flexible approach is taken where the rules of the competition state that applications from non-EEA citizens are welcomed. However, any such candidates are advised that even if successful at interview, an appointment to the post would be contingent on the securing of a work permit.
Stamp 4 denotes and evidences a category of immigration permission to remain in the State (in accordance with the Immigration Act, 2004) that permits the holder to enter employment without the requirement to hold an employment permit issued by the Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation. However, Stamp 4 does not confer Irish citizenship on the holder so does not confer eligibility to compete for posts in the Civil Service. I have no plans to change the approach in this area.
