Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018
855. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the recruitment process for staff for the Mental Health Commission; and the steps in the process such as approval, advertising, interviewing, offers and commencement of employment. [55043/17]
View answerI have been advised by the Mental Health Commission (MHC) that the following is a summary of the recruitment process:
Approval Stage
- Where a vacant and/or replacement post is identified the process in terms of approval and recruitment for vacancies and/or replacements is the same;
- The MHC prepares and submits a Business Case to the Mental Health Unit in the Department of Health. A standard template is used;
- The Department of Health Mental Health Unit reviews the request and may revert to the Mental Health Commission (MHC) for clarification/further information;
- Following review the Mental Health Unit forwards the MHC Business Case with a recommendation to the National Human Resources Unit in the Department for decision;
- If the Business Case is for a Principal Grade or above, the National Human Resources Unit liaises with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform;
- If the Business Case is for a grade up to and including Assistant Principal, the National Human Resources Unit can make a decision based on the merits of the case;
- The MHC receives the decision in relation to sanction including any conditions that must be met (for example, commencement at the first point of the relevant pay scale).
Recruitment Stage
- On receipt of sanction the MHC proceeds to commence the recruitment campaign which involves the following steps;
- The recruitment agency (appointed through public procurement processes) is formally requested to assist in the recruitment of the relevant post(s);
- Detailed candidate information booklet(s) are compiled by the recruitment agency with assistance from the MHC;
- Advertisements for the National Press are prepared and appropriate arrangements made for publication;
- The standard application process follows which may vary depending on the post being advertised and the urgency of the requirement
- Submission of an application within 2-3 weeks of the advertisement.
- Shortlisting and/or
- Preliminary interview and/or
- Competitive interview.
- Interview board make a recommendation to the Chief Executive.
- Issuing of a preliminary letter to successful applicants regarding appointment subject to satisfactory completion of the verifications process to include reference checks, qualifications identified as essential criteria, Garda vetting and overseas police vetting if the applicant has lived abroad for a period greater than six months (for certain posts); health check.
- Prior to issuing a contract of employment the draft contract must be prepared and submitted to the Department of Health National Human Resources Unit and copied to the Mental Health Unit. The terms and conditions including pension arrangements may vary depending on whether the successful applicant is an established officer or a new entrant.
- The Department of Health National Human Resources Unit notifies the MHC of its decision in relation to the draft contract.
- A letter of appointment with contract is issued to the successful applicant.
- Commencement date varies as it takes into consideration the notice period that the successful candidate may have to serve with a current employer.
- Contract of employment is signed by the appointee and the MHC and a copy is submitted to the Department of Health National Human Resources Unit and copied to the Mental Health Unit.
- The appointee receives an induction programme on commencement in their role with the Commission. Depending on the role concerned specific training may be required.
