andMr. Desmond asked the Minister for Finance when he intends to implement in full the recommendation of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges with reference to the recruitment of ushers to the staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Recruitment of Ushers.
32.
I have already accepted the recommendation of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges for an increase in the usher establishment. Arrangements are being made for the holding of a competition to fill the existing vacancies as soon as possible.
In view of the fact that the recommendations by the committee are now well over 12 months old, and in view of the likely increase in the workload of the House in the months ahead, will the Minister expedite the holding of the competition and try to have it held between now and the resumption of the Dáil in the autumn?
I am anxious that the competition should be held as soon as possible. I understand that the main reason for the hold-up is a certain difference of opinion with some staff organisations in regard to the extent of the possible recruitment. I hope that will be sorted out shortly. In fact, a meeting is to take place tomorrow morning in that connection.
I appreciate what the Minister has said. Is the Minister aware that the staff association are unanimous in their view on the scope of the applications for an extension of the staff and that their view as a reputable staff association should be paramount in any efforts to expedite the matter?
The matter is a little more complex than that.
I am aware of that but the Minister should put his foot down.
I have done so, perhaps not in the way everybody concerned would wish, but I have done so.
Would the Minister ensure when the interview takes place this time that some member of the interview board will not decide to veto certain candidates because he personally thinks they are unfit for one reason or another although everybody else is satisfied that they are fit for the job?
I am not aware that that took place in the past.
Then the Minister is not aware of what happened at previous interviews.
I am aware of the results.
The results were very unsatisfactory.
And we will put the Minister wise very shortly.