Vol. 416 No. 6
58 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the steps, if any, he now proposes to co-ordinate the recruitment and promotion of Irish nationals in international organisations such as the United Nations and its related bodies; whether the original strategies agreed in 1985-87 have been maintained with the integration of the Department of the Public Service into his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As the Deputy knows, it is Government policy to encourage and assist Irish applicants for posts in international organisations. The implementation of that policy was not affected when the Department of the Public Service merged with the Department of Finance in 1987. My Department now have primary responsibility for the implementation of Government policy in this regard.
Vacancy notices advertising posts in the institutions of the European Communities and other international organisations are circulated widely. Extensive oral and written advice is given to candidates for such posts. Interview and language training is given to candidates who have been short listed. When candidates have qualified for appointment, my Department liaise with Ireland's Permanent Representative to the European Communities to ensure their successful placement.
