Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Oct 1994

Vol. 446 No. 1

Written Answers. - FÁS Vacancies.

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

95 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the waiting lists for unskilled Government jobs that are held in FÁS offices in Dublin; if his attention has been further drawn to the popular belief that only the representations of a Deputy or Minister can obtain a person a job in the public service; if he will agree to a more transparent system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1710/94]

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

There is no basis for the "popular belief" referred to by the Deputy as the vast majority of jobs in the Civil Service are filled by open competitions run by the Civil Service Commission which is an independent body. A small number of subordinate posts need not be filled in this way but in practice they are generally advertised in FÁS offices and interviews are held to select the most suitable applicants. I have no plans to change this system.