asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the statement made in the Dáil by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance on the 22nd instant that Civil Service red tape was preventing progress with drainage plans, the Government will take the necessary steps to remove that red tape.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Red Tape and Drainage Plans.
It is clear from the Official Report that the statement mentioned in the question had reference to difficulties experienced in the recruitment of engineering staff. As the Deputy is, perhaps, aware, the Civil Service Regulation Acts require that established posts in the Civil Service which are not filled by promotion must normally be offered for competition. To meet exceptional circumstances, however, the Acts contain a provision empowering the Civil Service Commissioners, on the motion of the Minister in charge of a Department with the consent of the Minister for Finance, to authorise appointment without competition to a temporary post. This provision is utilised in urgent cases to secure temporary professional staff while arrangements for the holding of a competition are being made, and it can be used for the temporary filling of any additional engineering posts which may be needed for arterial drainage.