Mr. Andrew Patterson:

In most cases Irish is not stated, either as essential or desirable. As such, we only look to see that the general scheme, as followed in the Civil Service for the last 37 years, as my colleagues from the Department of Social Protection have said, has been followed. Our interpretation has been consistent with that. It is not that Irish is seen as an essential or desirable criterion but that due recognition is given to those proficient in both official languages during the appointment process. The standard practice for that has been that 6% or 3% is added on at the final stage.