Brendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

If we are to increase the number of women and members of the LGBT community and the new Irish communities, we need broad and inclusive recruitment campaigns aimed at removing barriers.

On another related matter on the recruitment process generally, I received a number of representations in recent years regarding the psychometric testing which takes place. I am aware of two cases, in particular, where individuals passed the fitness test but were unable to proceed in the process due to failing the psychometric tests. I have come across a case in which an individual failed the psychometric test and had to reapply when a recruitment process was opened.

Psychometric testing can cut people out of the process candidates, people who in subsequent applications prove to be successful candidates for the Permanent Defence Force. Would the Minister of State consider re-calibrating the recruitment process so that the psychometric test takes place after, or alongside, the interview process and perhaps taking a look at this as part of a greater review of the recruitment process for the Permanent Defence Force?

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