asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that at an open competitive examination for shorthand-typists and typists held at Cork on 26th and 27th November, 1935, one batch of candidates was examined, the examination finishing at 12.30 p.m.; that the same papers were given to another batch of candidates at 1.30 p.m. on the same date; if he is further aware that in the afternoon there were approximately 13 entrants, but there were not sufficient examination papers to supply one to each person; that the supervisor divided the papers amongst those present, with the result that while one was doing a 25 minutes' test others were engaged in a 15 minutes' test; and if he will state why a sufficient supply of papers was not available; further, if he is aware that the hall in which the examination was held was not suitable for such a purpose; and if he will, in view of the circumstances, quash the examination and rehold it in a suitable building under proper supervision.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shorthand-Typists and Typists Examination in Cork.
I am informed by the Civil Service Commissioners that owing to an error on the part of the local superintendent in charge the examination arrangements for shorthand-typists and typists at Cork broke down in the respects referred to in the Deputy's question. In the circumstances it has been decided to hold a fresh examination without extra fee for the candidates who already entered. Arrangements will be made to ensure that the accommodation for candidates at the fresh competition will be adequate.
Will the Minister see to it that the examination is not held in the same place? This examination was held in the Westmere dance hall in Merchants Quay, a very busy thoroughfare, where the passing of traffic on the cobble stones and the shrieking of sirens from the ships are very disturbing factors for the candidates; and will the Minister see when fixing the new venue that it is held in some place other than the Westmere dance hall, especially as in the case of shorthand typists where dictation is read out at a speed of 100 words per minute the candidates find it difficult to hear the person who is dictating; will he also realise that the room requires to be heated; and will the Minister bear in mind that this hall is in other ways unsuitable?
The Deputy is making a speech, not asking a question.
Well, Sir, it is all one long question.
I do not propose to reply at length to all the Deputy has asked. I would remind him that the Minister for Finance is not responsible for making arrangements for this examination. That is the work of the Civil Service Commissioners and I shall draw the attention of the Commissioners to the points raised by the Deputy.