Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2017

Tuesday, 24 January 2017

Questions (372)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

372. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the position for conservation ranger advertised in autumn 2016 closed before midnight on the last day for accepting applications when this was not specified on the application form; the reason an application from a person (details supplied) who went to lodge an application in the late afternoon on the last day for accepting applications was rejected by the system and could not be lodged; the steps he will take to ensure that this application is now accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3082/17]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As the Deputy will be aware the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is the centralised recruiter for the Civil Service. It is an independent, statutory body which provides professional recruitment and selection services.

I am informed by the PAS that the closing date and time for the competition in question, i.e. Conservation Ranger, was 3pm on Thursday 1 December, 2016. This was clearly stated on Page One of the Candidates information Booklet, which candidates are advised to read carefully. That booklet also states under the Section entitled "The Selection Process"  that "Completed applications should be made online through www.publicjobs.ie no later than 3.00pm on Thursday 1st December, 2016. Applications will not be accepted after that date".

The PAS has informed me that they are not in a position to accept a late application for the competition at this stage.