asked the Minister for Finance if he will state in respect of each of the last ten financial years (a) the number of persons appointed by the Civil Service Commissioners to examine candidates as to their competence in the use of Irish, (b) the number of such examinations, (c) the number of candidates (i) who entered for such examinations, and (ii) who were passed as having a competent use of Irish, and (d) the cost of such examinations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tests in Irish by Civil Service Commissioners.
17.
Mr. Ryan
I would ask the Deputy to repeat this question at a later date as the information required could not be extracted in the time available.
18.
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Finance why the Civil Service Commissioners appoint one board to examine candidates as to their general fitness for particular posts and a separate board to test the same candidates' competence in the use of Irish, in view of the fact that a number of civil servants who have passed Irish tests sit on the board which examines candidates as to their general fitness.
The arrangements to which the Deputy refers are necessary to permit adequate time to be given to the Irish test while keeping to a minimum the demands on the time of those who give their services free to act as members of the Interview Board.