asked the Minister for Finance if he will state what was the method adopted in the recent appointment of inspectors of schools, Grade II; what were the qualifications of those appointed, and whether there was at least one higher qualified candidate disqualified; whether those appointed obtained the highest marks in the written examination; and whether he is aware that allegations of political favouritism in the determination of appointments have been made in this case, and if he is prepared to consider the advisability of setting up a tribunal to inquire into the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of School Inspectors.
The appointments were made by the Minister for Education on the recommendation of the Civil Service Commissioners. The statutory regulations governing the competition held by the commissioners for the posts set out in detail the general conditions governing the competition and each applicant was supplied with a copy of them. These regulations provided that candidates should in the first instance hold a university degree or equivalent qualification, or the Árd Teastas in Irish of the Department of Education, and should have an excellent knowledge of Irish and a good general knowledge of educational affairs and of modern social and economic developments.
The competition itself comprised three separate tests, viz:—
(a)A written examination in the subjects, Irish Essay, English Essay and Mathematics;
(b)An oral examination in Irish;
(c)An Interview.
Only those candidates who qualified in the written examination were eligible to undergo the test in Oral Irish and the Interview test. Candidates who qualified in each of the three tests were placed in order of merit in accordance with the total of the marks gained by them in the three tests. The candidates highest in the order of merit so determined were appointed to fill the number of vacancies existing.
In order to qualify in the competition candidates were required by the regulations to reach a prescribed standard in each of the three tests. Some candidates failed to qualify in one or more of the tests and were, therefore, unsuccessful. Otherwise, no candidate was failed in the competition.
I am not aware that any allegations of the nature referred to by the Deputy have been made in this case and in any event I am satisfied that the competition was properly conducted and in accordance with the regulations. Consequently, I see no need for any inquiry.