Written Answers Nos. 463-491
463. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education if she or her officials have met LocalLink or other community-based transport initiatives on resolving the school transport situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24112/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education.
In the 2019/20 school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €219m in 2019.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. Under the terms of the Department's School Transport Scheme children are eligible for school transport if they satisfy the distance criteria (3.2km at primary and 4.8km at post-primary) and are attending their nearest school as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Officials from my Department have regular engagement the National Transport Authority, who have responsibility for LocalLink, on transport related issues.
As the Deputy may be aware, a Review of the School Transport Scheme was announced by my predecessor in October 2019. Given the current evolving situation with Covid-19 the proposed review has been delayed. I propose to convene the Steering Group shortly and to agree and supplement revised terms of reference to reflect the Programme for Government including an examination of issues such as the nearest or next-nearest school. It is intended that the review will, among other issues, examine the potential for a more co-ordinated approach with other Government Departments that also fund transport services.
464. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 268 of 23 June 2020, if a school (details supplied) in County Mayo has applied for DEIS status. [24119/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the review of DEIS, my Department introduced an objective, statistics based model for assessing which schools merit inclusion in the DEIS Programme. All schools will be assessed under this new refined model and therefore this negates the requirement for an application process. My Department is in the final stages of refinement of this model, based on school enrolment data and the latest data available from Census 2016 using the HP Deprivation Index.
This work is at an advanced stage and the initial phase of the consultation process with education stakeholder representatives on the technical aspects of the refined DEIS ID model has commenced. Until this work is complete, it is not intended to extend the DEIS programme to any further schools.
465. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education the amount of funding provided for the construction of the new school in Baymayne, Dublin 13; when construction works will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24120/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe building project referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department's Design & Build programme.
Planning permission was lodged on the 31st March 2020. As with all school building projects, the exact timeframe for delivery of the school will be dependent on the grant of planning permission.
My Department officials will keep the Board of Management fully informed of developments as they occur.
466. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the engagement she has had with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the school building budget for capital works. [24143/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOngoing engagement with my officials and officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform occur on a regular basis throughout each year.
My more recent engagement with Government and the Minister for Public Expenditure secured a €375m support package and the publication of a roadmap to enable the safe return for schools.
This reflected the key national priority of getting schools reopened on a full-time basis. The funding package included €75m minor works grant funding which provided support and flexibility to schools to prepare their buildings and classrooms for school re-opening.
These important engagements with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and his officials will continue as work progresses on Budget 2021 and beyond.
467. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the way in which predicted grades were accepted by her Department for the leaving certificate applied from persons who are not accepted as teachers. [24176/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe system of Calculated Grades was created to allow as many as possible of the 60,000 students in the Leaving Certificate class of 2020 to progress to employment, further education and training, or higher education in a way that is fair and equitable to all students.
The system is underpinned by key principles of objectivity, equity and fairness. For the Calculated Grades system to be operated with integrity, and to ensure fairness to all students, an estimated percentage mark, based on credible, satisfactory evidence, could only be accepted from an appropriate source.
For students attending school, estimated marks were provided to the Department following an in-school alignment process which was overseen by a school’s principal and/or deputy principals. All estimated marks were returned to the Department were provided on forms which were co-signed by a school’s principal or deputy principal(s).
Circular 0037/2020 provided guidance to schools on providing estimated percentage marks and included specific advice regarding the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA).
The process applied for Leaving Certificate Applied was broadly similar to that of the Leaving Certificate Established and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme. Specific approaches were suggested in light of the particular nature of the LCA programme.
Schools were advised that where there was a single teacher of a subject for LCA, the LCA Coordinator in that school should undertake the alignment process along with each subject teacher. An alternative approach to the process, given the cross-curricular nature of the programme, was to involve a number of (or all of) the teachers in a single collective process of estimating marks, rank ordering and alignment, assisted by the LCA Co-ordinator.
468. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the way in which inspectors from her Department can inspect the teaching practices in YouthReach centres in a classroom of resource staff and grade them against the criteria of teachers in view of the fact that they are not recognised within the role. [24177/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEvaluations of Centres for Education are carried out in Youthreach and other centres that are not recognised schools. During these inspections, specially trained inspectors evaluate the quality of centre management and leadership, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment, and the centre's own planning and self-review. They provide oral feedback to the staff and board of management (where applicable) at the end of these inspections and then provide a written report which is published on the Department’s website.
Department inspectors have been conducting Youthreach evaluations since 2005 and are very experienced in evaluating the work carried out in the centres. A range of inspection models is used in Youthreach Centres including: Whole-Centre Evaluations, Incidental Inspections and Follow-Through Inspections. These models have been designed and approved by the Minister for Education following consultation with stakeholders, including stakeholders involved in the provision of education in Youthreach centres. Inspectors are provided with specialised training on these inspection models prior to conducting Centre Evaluations. Inspectors also gain experience and expertise through working on teams before taking a lead role in inspection work.
Inspectors have a full understanding of the roles, level of experience and qualifications of Youthreach staff, including the role of the resource staff, and bring this understanding to bear when making professional judgements on the quality of provision. They do not differentiate between the work of teachers and resource persons in delivering QQI or Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) modules. Inspectors’ evaluative judgements are informed by the quality framework: Looking at Our School 2016 which is applicable to a range of contexts. Inspectors are trained to adapt the quality framework to take account of the unique context of Youthreach Centres when making judgements about the quality of provision.
The ESRI conducted an evaluation of the national Youthreach programme, the report can be accessed here: www.esri.ie/system/files/publications/RS82_1.pdf. Work on reviewing the model of Youthreach inspection, as was recommended in the ESRI’s report, is currently underway and will invole consultation with stakeholders involved in Youthreach provision.
469. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education the number of Exchequer-funded projects over €1 billion overseen by her Department; the expected rise in cost in both numerical amount and percentage terms in tabular form, and delays as a result of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24307/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no Exchequer funded projects over €1 billion overseen by my Department.
470. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if the bereavement grant of €850 that was abolished in 2014 will be restored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23512/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Bereavement Grant was a payment of €850 made where the deceased or his/her surviving partner was an insured contributor to the social insurance fund. Any decision to reinstate it would have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary negotiations.
There are a range of supports available for people following bereavement which provide more significant support than the previous bereavement grant. These include weekly-paid widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner’s (contributory and non-contributory) pensions, which are based on contributions or a means test, and a once-off widowed or surviving civil partner grant of €6,000 where there is a dependent child. A number of social welfare payments, including State pension, continue in payment for six weeks following a death. In Budget 2016, the Government increased the payment after death period to 12 weeks for carer’s allowance. Guardian payments are available where someone cares for an orphaned child. A special funeral grant of €850 is paid where a person dies because of an accident at work or occupational disease.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, the Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from his/her weekly income, which may include help with funeral and burial expenses. This is a more targeted and efficient manner of assisting people with bereavement expenses. In 2019 over 2,900 ENPs were paid at a cost of €5.8 million towards funeral and burial expenses.
My Department has provided funding of up to €60,000 in Budget 2020 to support the Irish Hospice Foundation who are currently carrying out a research project into the economics of bereavement in Ireland. I await the outcome of their research and findings in this important area.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
471. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection the anticipated cost to the Exchequer in 2021 of a waiver of waiting days on social welfare payments by category of payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23745/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimated annual cost to the Exchequer in 2021 of a waiver of waiting days for Jobseekers Allowance is approximately €10 million and for Jobseekers Benefit is approximately €22.4 million.
The estimated annual cost for Illness Benefit and Occupational Injury Benefit (combined figure) is approximately €57 million. I understand that there are no waiting days for other illness, disability or carers payments.
I trust that this clarifies the position.
472. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures in place to assist those over 50 years of age who have found themselves unemployed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, especially those who were self-employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23936/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra481. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has reviewed the supports and payments that have been made available to persons out of work in the music industry; her plans for the industry going forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23404/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra506. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection if a series of matters regarding taxi drivers will be addressed (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23605/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 472, 481 and 506 together.
The pandemic unemployment payment is available to employees and self-employed persons aged between 18 and 66 years and has been extended until the end of March 2021 to support employees and businesses who continue to be severely impacted by ongoing Public Health restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A self-employed person must have suffered a reduction in their trading income to the extent that they are available to take up other full-time employment. This allows some limited scope for a self-employed person to engage in once-off or emergency work and still retain eligibility for the pandemic unemployment payment. This is essentially occasional, irregular or isolated events and where there is a clear divergence from previous employment patterns. Where a self-employed individual has regular employment or it generates significant income, then they should close their Pandemic Unemployment Payment as they do not satisfy the conditions for the payment. In cases of doubt, an individual should raise the matter with my Department.
Where a person is not eligible to receive the Pandemic Unemployment Payment they may apply for a jobseeker payment. Jobseekers Benefit is a social insurance based income support for people who have suffered a substantial loss of employment and satisfy the other conditions of the scheme. If a person does not qualify for Jobseekers Benefit they may be eligible for means tested Jobseekers Allowance. A person in receipt of a jobseekers payment may take up employment but they must be unemployed for 4 days in 7 consecutive days.
The Department has put in place a mailbox dedicated to the Arts sector to raise queries directly with the Department at this time at artistspup@welfare.ie. The Department also operates a scheme for self-employed Artists on Jobseeker's Allowance. The scheme acknowledges the status of self-employed artists and writers and gives them a 12 month window to focus on building up their work before they become subject to labour market activation.
I also wish to draw your attention to the Enterprise Support Grant which previously supported entrepreneurs who were setting up new enterprises but has now been extended to provide once-off supports for self-employed people who have been severely impacted and have had to cease operations as a result of the Pandemic. The grant has been paid to over 1,000 self-employed persons and is payable up to €1,000 to help small business owners who transition from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment to re-open their business. It is payable to self-employed micro enterprises that are not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants. Details on the application process to access this grant is available on www.gov.ie.
The July Stimulus package contained significant funding of some €200 million in supports towards education, upskilling and work placements for people who are unemployed, to help them avail of employment opportunities as the economy gradually reopens. Details of these employment support service measures to assist people back to work are available on www.gov.ie.
Any person who is experiencing financial hardship may access assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments. Information on the supports available under this scheme is available at www.gov.ie.
The Employer Wage Subsidy Scheme is operated by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and further information on this scheme is available at www.gov.ie.
I hope that this clarifies the position.
473. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans for the design implementation and the evaluation of the universal basic income pilot committed to as part of the request to the Low Pay Commission to examine universal basic income committed to under the Programme for Government. [23939/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government states that the Low Pay Commission is to examine Universal Basic Income, informed by a review of previous international pilots, and resulting in a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government.
This matter will be progressed in line with the Programme for Government commitment and a referral to the Low Pay Commission will be made in due course.
474. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the disability allowance assessment criteria for those living with myalgic encephalomyelitis is not representative of the WHO classified neurological disorder myalgic encephalomyelitis (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24081/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMyalgic Encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy) (ME) is a complex debilitating disorder which is characterised by severe fatigue accompanied by a range of other symptoms. ME is sometimes known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
I am informed by my colleague the Minister for Health that there is currently no known, specific, medical diagnostic test to determine or confirm a correct diagnosis of ME and no specific treatment which works for all sufferers is currently available. I am also advised that, as a result –
- clinical assessment and the design of care plans need to be tailored to the individual patient;
- there are assessments and tests which can be carried out in primary care settings by a General Practitioner;
- specialised tests may be required when considering and ruling out other diagnoses;
- relevant specialists are usually accessed through out-patient clinics at secondary care level; and
- the General Practitioner is regarded as best placed to refer patients, if appropriate.
The medical review and assessment section of my Department exercises due care and diligence in assessing all applications for illness, disability and caring schemes.
Disability Allowance is a means-tested payment for people with a specified disability whose income falls below certain limits. The criteria which must be satisfied to qualify for Disability Allowance are:
1. The person must be suffering from an injury, disease, congenital deformity or physical or mental illness or defect which has continued or may reasonably be expected to continue for a period of at least a year
2. As a result of the condition and for no other reason, the person is substantially restricted in undertaking work which would otherwise be suitable having regard to the person's age, experience and qualifications.
3. Aged between 16 and under 66
4. Satisfy a means test
5. Habitually resident in the State
The medical assessment process does not dispute or refute a given diagnosis, as it is not the diagnosis per se that establishes eligibility; rather it is how the person is affected as a result of his or her diagnosis, medical condition or impairment that is taken into consideration in the assessment process.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
475. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection if a reply will issue to correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24132/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra493. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the advice provided to a company (details supplied) in respect of its employees being entitled to short-time work or jobseeker's benefit for hours they are not working; the way in which the payments relate to the employee wage subsidy scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23485/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra498. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the directive her Department has given to a company (details supplied) to sign casual dockets for its employees who are not getting their full 35 hours per week. [23524/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra508. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons in receipt of the EWSS are also eligible to apply for the short-time work support (details supplied). [23716/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra510. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection if staff of a company (details supplied), in the case that they met the conditions of the scheme, were eligible to claim short-time work support while under the temporary wage subsidy scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23786/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra511. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection if staff of a company (details supplied), in the case that they met the conditions of the scheme, were eligible to claim short-time work support while under the employment wage subsidy scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23787/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra523. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if workers in receipt of the temporary wage subsidy scheme can apply retrospectively for social welfare entitlements in view of the clarification statement issued on 9 September 2020 on social welfare entitlements and the employment wage subsidy scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24138/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 475, 493, 498, 508, 510, 511 and 523 together.
My Department has advised that subject to satisfying the relevant eligibility criteria, employees may claim casual (i.e. part-time) jobseeker payments or Short-Time Work Support payments for days of unemployment, even where their employer is claiming the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme for days of employment. The normal scheme rules and application processes apply, including completion of the relevant forms by the employer to certify days of employment and unemployment. Officials from the Department have engaged with the employer concerned and advised of this position.
The position regarding any entitlement to jobseekers payments prior to the introduction of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme will depend on meeting the eligibility conditions, including satisfying the Department with regard to days of unemployment. Applications are assessed on an individual bases and require supporting documentation from the employer verifying days of unemployment.
Any legal obligations that the employer may have to their employee as regards terms, conditions or entitlements of their employment, including pay, is a matter for the employer.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
476. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Social Protection the timeframe for personal public service number applications; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23327/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe SAFE registration process, which my Department uses to authenticate a person's identity when they apply for a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN), is a face- to-face process.
At the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, my Department temporarily postponed the SAFE registration process. This decision was taken to comply with HSE and WHO guidelines in respect of social distancing.
To help ensure that those who required a PPSN could get one, my Department introduced an email and postal service through which applications could be made. The area of my Department that processes these applications is currently dealing with high volumes of applications received. By its nature this process involves, in most cases, correspondence with the customer which may lead to delays, for example, where there is a delay in receiving documents required.
I am happy to confirm that the SAFE registration service has now resumed in most Intreo Centres and Branch Offices, for those who already have a PPSN and wish to obtain a Public Services Card and I expect that the PPSN application service will be fully resumed in my Department's network of offices over the coming weeks.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
477. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a backdated pandemic unemployment payment for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23339/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the records of my Department, the person concerned originally applied for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment on 24/03/2020, entering his date last worked as 29/02/2020. On this basis a PUP did not issue as he did not meet the eligibility criteria of being in employment on or after 06/03/2020.
On 27/04/2020, the person concerned revised his application to reflect a date last worked of 14/03/2020. Subsequently a PUP was awarded on 05/05/2020 and he has been in payment on a weekly basis since.
The current focus is on ensuring that payments are made and continue to be paid to all who qualify for them. My Department is aware that many people are due some arrears and that each person’s case is unique. This means that each application may need to be individually reviewed to accurately calculate any arrears.
All cases will be examined and where arrears arise they will be processed and applicants will be notified. Updates on the process will be available on www.gov.ie/deasp.
If the person concerned is experiencing financial difficulties he can contact his local Community Welfare Service in the Bishop’s Square Intreo Centre where his circumstances will be assessed. Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department can make a single Exceptional Needs Payment to help meet essential, once-off expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. There is no automatic entitlement to these payments which are payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case, in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance. The Community Welfare Service may be contacted by email at CWSBishopSquare@welfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
478. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if payments for disability allowance will remain fortnightly. [23344/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department introduced a series of measures to maintain social welfare payments while assisting with social distancing measures designed to combat the spread of the Coronavirus.
Fortnightly payments were introduced to minimise the need for people to attend and queue in banks or post offices to collect payments, so helping people restrict their movements to essential activities only. These were introduced on a ‘payment in advance’ basis so people did not have to wait two weeks for a payment.
Some welfare scheme payments have now reverted to a weekly payment pattern, including One-parent Family Payment, Working Family Payment, Illness Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Jobseeker’s Benefit.
The Department’s view is guided by the public health guidelines. Those payments, including Disability Allowance, which are remaining on a fortnightly payment pattern, will continue to be reviewed by the Department in line with the best available health advice.
479. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a PPSN by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23361/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department has allocated a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) to the individual referred to by the Deputy. A letter issued to the person concerned on 14th September 2020, with details of the PPSN.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
480. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason those in receipt of farm assist payments are excluded from receiving the enterprise support grant in order to assist in returning an off-farm business after Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23388/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe enterprise support grant was extended to assist eligible self-employed individuals who transition from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment or jobseekers schemes after 18th May 2020 to re-start their business which was closed due to the impact of the pandemic.
The grant provides essential restart support to businesses not eligible for funding from other departments. Funding for those in the agriculture sector is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine
If there is a particular case that the Deputy has a concern about, the details should be forwarded to my office for review.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
482. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of eligible staff who can apply for the higher executive officer competition in her Department. [23450/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra483. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff who applied for the promotion to higher executive officer in her Department. [23451/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra484. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff by grade (details supplied) who applied for the competition for promotion to HEO. [23452/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra485. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of HEO vacancies in her Department; and the locations and business units the vacancies are in. [23453/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra486. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of members of staff it takes to run the competition for higher executive officer. [23454/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra487. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of running the competition for higher executive officer. [23455/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra488. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection when interviews will take place after the application date closes for the promotion to higher executive officer. [23456/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra489. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons on the interview panel for higher executive officer; if interviews will be done by video link or in person for the position; and if the interviewers will be internal staff or external. [23457/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra490. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the age range (details supplied) of applicants for the position of higher executive officer; and the number of applicants under each age range. [23458/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra491. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of working days' notice candidates will be given of their interview date for the higher executive officer competition. [23459/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 482 to 491, inclusive, together.
An internal competition for promotion to Higher Executive Officer was advertised on June 22nd 2020 with a closing date of July 10th 2020. 3,865 staff were eligible to apply for the competition broken down as follows:
|
Grade |
- |
|
Clerical Officer |
2370 |
|
Executive Officer |
1369 |
|
Services Officer |
126 |
|
Grand Total |
3865 |
A total of 827 applications were received by the closing date, broken down as follows:
|
Grade |
Count of applications |
|
AO |
2 |
|
CO |
307 |
|
EO |
518 |
There are currently 91 HEO posts that have been approved for filling in the following locations and business areas:
|
COUNTY |
Total |
Business Areas |
|
CARLOW |
1 |
South East Region |
|
CLARE |
2 |
Mid-West Region |
|
DONEGAL |
1 |
North West Region |
|
DUBLIN |
62 |
Communications Unit; Digital Adoption Team; Disability Policy; Dublin Central Region; Dublin North Region; Engagement & Innovation; Estimates Unit; IS Services; Low Pay Commission; Regional Services Unit; Staff Development Unit; Special Investigations Unit |
|
GALWAY |
8 |
Business Analytics Unit; West Region |
|
KERRY |
2 |
Mid-West Region |
|
KILDARE |
2 |
Dublin North Region |
|
KILKENNY |
1 |
South East Region |
|
LOUTH |
2 |
North East Region |
|
MAYO |
1 |
West Region |
|
MEATH |
1 |
North East Region |
|
SLIGO |
4 |
IS Services; Illness Benefits; SWA Policy; North West Region |
|
WESTMEATH |
1 |
Midlands Region |
|
WICKLOW |
3 |
Dublin Central Region |
|
Grand Total |
91 |
- |
The HR core competitions team has been supplemented by additional staff drawn from other areas of the HR Division to assist at different stages of the competition and the assignment of a small number of temporary staff for the duration of the competition.
It is estimated that the costs of running the competition will be in the region of €150,000, which is largely made up of the estimated costs of interview board members' time / salary costs and the estimated salary costs of staff involved in running the competition.
The preliminary interview boards are made up of one Principal Officer and one Assistant Principal Officer, some of whom are recently retired members of staff. There is one serving member of staff on each board. The final interview boards will be made up of one Principal Officer and two Assistant Principal Officers. All interviews will be conducted over video link using Webex. However, in a small number of cases where a candidate has special requirements (e.g. sign language interpreter), the interviews may be conducted on a face to face basis.
The following table reflects the breakdown of the applications in the requested age brackets:
|
Age bracket |
Count of applications |
|
18-25 |
5 |
|
26-35 |
119 |
|
36-45 |
291 |
|
45-55 |
301 |
|
56-65 |
110 |
|
Over 65 |
1 |
|
Grand Total |
827 |
Preliminary Interviews have commenced and are expected to be completed by the end of October. Final interviews will be scheduled shortly thereafter. Candidates are being given five working days’ notice of their interview date.
