Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
728. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the criteria and process used in the selection of suitable persons to be appointed as a revenue sheriff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26880/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn receipt of sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in respect of the appointment of a Revenue Sheriff a recruitment process is initiated by the Public Appointments Service.
The statutory qualification requirements are set out in Section 12(5) of the Court Officers Act 1945. The essential qualifications for persons applying for appointment to the position of Revenue Sheriff are as follows -
- Candidates must, on the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office:
- have practised as a barrister for a period of not less than 5 years;
or
- have practised as a solicitor for a period of not less than 5 years;
or
- have acted as managing clerk or principal assistant to a sheriff for a period of not less than 5 years.
Candidates must also:
- hold a current Tax Clearance Certificate;
- demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of all the legal documentation, legal systems, processes and procedures involved in the operation of the Sheriff’s Office;
- have at least three years experience/expertise in the area of debt recovery;
- produce evidence that, on appointment as sheriff, he or she will give security to such amount and in such manner as the Minister for Justice and Equality shall direct for the due performance of his or her duties;
- demonstrate that he or she has the necessary technological capability to ensure that his or her computer system can meet in full the requirements of the “Sheriff Enforcement Referral System”. (A copy of the detailed specification is available on request.);
- undertake to signing up, on appointment as sheriff, to the terms of the Agreement that is in place between the Revenue Commissioners and the sheriffs in relation to operational issues relating to the collection of Revenue debts. (A copy of the Agreement is available on request.);
- be responsible for providing his or her own office accommodation;
- demonstrate capacity and capability to acquire in a timely fashion specialist legal advice/support in matters of a particularly complex nature.
In addition, the following skills are desirable -
- A comprehensive understanding of Revenue enforcement procedures;
- The ability to work and interact effectively and efficiently with both the public and private sectors and in particular with the Department of Justice and Equality and the Revenue Commissioners;
- Ability to operate on a self-employed basis in a highly regulated business and legal environment and be committed to the high standards of personal and business integrity expected of Sheriffs;
- Ability to employ, manage and direct a management and office team;
- Ability to exercise independent judgment in arriving at decisions;
- Appropriate numerical and computer skills;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- Initiative and commitment to task;
- Experience of the implementation of quality assurance processes in support of the delivery of efficient cost effective services in the area of debt collection and recovery.
Following a shortlisting process and competitive interview the names of candidates recommended as suitable for appointment are forwarded by the Public Appointments Service for consideration by the Minister for Justice and Equality and for appointment by Government.
