asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the terms of an advertisement inviting application for the position of Assistant Harbour Master, Dun Laoghaire, and, if so, whether he will state why a knowledge of Irish is not specified as a desirable qualification for applicants to this post, in view of the Government's professed policy of encouraging the spread of Irish in the Civil Service and Local Public Services.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Assistant Harbour Master at Dun Laoghaire.
The arrangements already made for filling the post referred to provide for a knowledge of Irish being regarded as a desirable qualification. Advertisements issued by the Civil Service Commissioners inviting application for vacant posts specify in general terms only the conditions of appointment, and inform candidates that particulars can be obtained on application. The documents giving particulars of the post in question which are furnished to all applicants contain a notification that a preference will be given to qualified candidates with a knowledge of Irish, and each candidate is invited to give particulars as to his knowledge (if any) of the language.
In view of the fact that the last three occupants of this position did not hold master mariners' certificates, will the Minister state why that special qualification is required in this particular instance, seeing that the position is advertised as a temporary one? Is he also aware that preference to ex-National Army men is not to be given in this case, although another advertisement, which appeared in the same paper above this advertisement, indicated that preference would be given to ex-National Army men?
Of course, the Minister for Finance should answer that. All I can say is that in the reply I read out it was stated that the full requirements were not given in the advertisement—that they were only given in the notification sent on application. I presume it does not follow that because certain things were not stated in the advertisement, they must be, therefore, regarded as non-existent.
Will the Minister say whether preference is not to be given in future for any Governmental position to people who have had National Army service?
That is a separate question.
The Deputy can rest assured that I shall recommend that.