asked the Minister for Finance whether, having regard to the fact that the examination for the Clerical Grade of Civil Service Clerks announced to be held on the 30th June, 1925, is apparently intended to give persons who have served the State in a temporary capacity an opportunity of qualifying for permanent appointment, and whether, having regard to the wide range of age limits fixed, he can see his way to give persons who will not be eighteen years of age on the 1st June, 1925, but who are otherwise qualified, an opportunity to sit for this examination.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CLERICAL GRADE CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION.
The limited competitive examination for the clerical grade referred to in the question is being held for the special purpose of giving an opportunity for entering permanent posts to persons who have given service, in some cases for as long as ten years, in a temporary capacity. A large proportion of the candidates are of middle age and have long left school. In the circumstances, it is considered that the lower age limit represents the fullest concession that can be given to the younger candidates. Any temporary official at present serving, whose age on the 1st June next will be less than 18, will be eligible for admission to the open competitive examination for the clerical grade to be held in the coming autumn.
Arising out of that answer, can the Minister say whether there is any maximum age limit for this examination?
I have not the regulations before me at the moment. I think there is.
If no age limit appears in the regulations which have been laid on the Table of the Dáil, may we take it that there is no such age limit? For the Minister's information, I would say that neither 18 nor 55 appear in these regulations. What I want to know is this: is the regulation as laid on the Table of the Dáil the only regulation, or are there other instructions as to the eligibility of competitors, which have not been laid on the Table of the Dáil?
I will have to ask for notice of that question.