asked the Minister for the Public Service if, in respect of the interviews for the position of clerical assistant in August 1974, he will make a statement on the results having regard to the facts that (a) some applicants had given five years' service (b) some applicants were trained typists and (c) girls in Dublin were given time off to improve their knowledge of Irish, a facility not afforded to applicants from rural areas; and if, in view of the numerous temporary clerical assistants in the country who are willing to besome clerical assistants, he will indicate the reason for which the competition was advertised.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Service Clerical Assistants.
164.
The competition referred to by the Deputy was held at the request of the staff side of the general council under the agreed conciliation and arbitration scheme for the Civil Service. The reason for the request was that under the Civil Service Commissioners Act, 1956, a Civil Service certificate which admits to established appointment can be obtained only by way of competition conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners.
The form and service qualifications of the competition were specifically agreed with the staff side. As the competition was conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners in exercise of their statutory functions, it would not be appropriate for me to make a statement on the results.
As regards the reference to Irish, if at any time there is a demand among staff located outside Dublin for Irish courses, Gaeleagras na Seirbhíse Poiblí will do what it can to satisfy this demand locally.