Vol. 509 No. 2
98 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Finance if qualification as a pilot could be deemed as the equivalent to the leaving certificate in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 for the position of meteorological officer with the Department of Public Enterprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20106/99]
Recruitment to the Civil Service is undertaken by the Civil Service Commissioners who are statutorily independent in the exercise of their functions. I am informed by the Civil Service Commissioners that, with the increasing range of educational courses, the issue of equivalence of qualifications has become ever more complex. In reaching a decision, the commissioners establish an expert board who advise them on various matters relating to the competition; if necessary, the commissioners further research the matter with academic institutions and-or professional bodies.
Each case must be examined on its own merits. In regard to the case in point, the expert board considered all details supplied with the application in the context of the position to be filled and the provisions of the competition regulations. They advised that the application failed to comply with the requirements, either directly or by way of equivalent.
Relevant documentation has been provided to the individual under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997.
I am advised that qualifications for posts are reviewed on each occasion prior to advertising in consultation with the employing Department, taking account of changes in the job, developments in education and experience at the previous competition. The Civil Service Commissioners expect that any issues arising out of this case will be borne in mind when the requirements for this position are being framed again.
