Vol. 396 No. 9
69 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if he considers that the sick record of civil servants applying to be included on the prison officer panel should not be taken into account in respect of open competitions where the same record is not available for private applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Having regard to section 17 (1) of the Civil Service Commissioners Act 1956, the commissioners cannot accept as qualified for appointment serving officers who have taken part in any of their competitions (and are otherwise suitable for the new appointment) if, because of their pattern of sick absences or present health, they cannot be relied on to give effective service in the future without interruptions by abnormal sick absences. It is for the commissioners to determine the manner in which effect should be given to this provision but I understand that inquiries regarding attendance patterns in previous employments are made in relation to all candidates whom it is proposed to appoint whether or not they are serving civil servants.
