Vol. 500 No. 3
83 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange with the Civil Service Commission to carry out interviews by video conferencing in view of the many applications for various positions from Irish citizens abroad who find it very difficult, awkward and expensive to attend for interviews here; if he will approve this at least on a pilot basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3966/99]
The Civil Service Commission have had the matter of interviews by video conferencing under consideration for some time. While my Department and the civil service Commissioners are positively dis posed in principle towards utilising new technology where opportunities arise, this issue raises a number of concerns, viz. the integrity of the competitive process, protecting the process from allegations of unfair advantage, etc.; the absence of direct interpersonal contact between the candidate and the board, which many consider to be an essential and integral part of the interview process; logistical, in terms of investment in equipment, access to foreign conferencing facilities, quality of facilities, etc.; and securing staff support.
These issues will continue to be examined with a view to meeting the needs of candidates while protecting the principles of best practice recruitment operated by the Civil Service Commission.
