Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Some people who apply to work as grooms choose not to follow up on those applications. The normal intake procedures, which include medical screening, physical training tests and security clearance, can take a great deal of time. I will state honestly that we have had some difficulty with security clearance. By the time successful candidates are called, they may have secured alternative employment. Members will be interested to learn that 29 of the 40 people who were interviewed recently have been deemed suitable. They will now have to undergo the usual series of tests, such as the physical training test and the medical screening examination, and the Garda clearance check. If they come through those tests successfully, they will be placed on a panel. It is obvious that the first ten people from the panel will be considered. People will be recruited from it as vacancies occur.

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