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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 23 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 2

Written Answers. - Civil Service Eligibility.

James McDaid

Ceist:

58 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Finance if the Irish language as a requirement for clerical positions in the Civil Service is still justified under the new equality legislation; and if the lack of the Irish language is discriminatory to applicants from other EU States applying for positions in Ireland. [10811/97]

A knowledge of Irish has not been obligatory for entry to the Civil Service — apart from entry to those positions for which Irish is essential for the performance of the duties — such as certain posts in the Departments of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht and Education since 1975.

Candidates are given equal credit for proficiency in Irish and in English at Civil Service recruitment competitions. Candidates displaying a proficiency in both languages will get credit for this in determining the order of merit in such competitions. It is my understanding that this practice will not be affected by the passing of the Employment Equality Bill, 1996.

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