Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 1 Jul 1999

Vol. 507 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Recruitment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

210 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be offered employment at Naas Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17210/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that this person was facilitated with work experience in Naas Garda station in an unpaid capacity for a period of six weeks from 11 January 1999 to 5 March 1999. Usually, work experience in the Garda area is limited to a period of two weeks for transition year students. However, in this instance I understand a case was made that the person concerned, who is not a transition year student, would benefit from the extended period and the Garda authorities agreed to this.

The position with regard to full time employment is that clerical staff in the Garda area are civil servants recruited through open compe titions held from time to time by the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service Commission is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and it is also their policy to establish parallel panels of disabled candidates. I understand that the person concerned has been made aware of the recruitment process.