Vol. 417 No. 9
9 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department are currently interviewing three serving soldiers for appointment to positions of either, (a) services officer (messengers), (b) services attendant (cleaners) and (c) night watchmen; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the historic alltime high levels of unemployment.
Recruitment by interview for unestablished positions of subordinate employment is in progress in my Department at present. This competition will provide a panel of qualified candidates for current and future vacancies in general service and analogous departmental grades.
Candidates were called for interview on foot of nominations by FÁS, the National Manpower Agency, the National Rehabilitation Board and direct application to the Department. All 82 candidates were interviewed.
Serving military personnel contemplating resignation from that service are as entitled as others to apply for this employment. The Department is an equal opportunity employer and would not discriminate against candidates applying on this basis.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that concern has been expressed by representatives of people seeking these employments that persons who are already in secure employment with pension entitlements have been interviewed with a view to having them employed and that in some cases firm indications have been given that upon their retirement on a Friday they will be re-employed on the following Monday in his Department? Would the Taoiseach agree that this does not deal with the overall problem of unemployment?
The Deputy should recall what I have just said. I am against double jobbing. Consequently in appointing persons all circumstances will be taken into account.
Do I take it that a serving Army soldier can be interviewed, go on a panel and stay in full-time employment in the Army until such time as a vacancy arises in the Taoiseach's Department and that such a person could leave his current employment on a Friday and take up new employment on the following Monday?
I have said what I have said. I will take all circumstances into account in appointing people, recognising the fact that I am against double jobbing and recognising the size of the unemployment register.
Is the Taoiseach aware that concern has been expressed, as I am sure the former Minister for Labour is aware, that there is a decided bias in the personnel section within his Department in favour of serving Army personnel and against the interests of others who might be recommended through FÁS or the National Rehabilitation Board?
I am not familiar with that. I have said what I have said. My policy will be as I have already outlined.
He is sounding more and more like Pontius Pilate.
