Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I call for a debate on issues within Inland Fisheries Ireland. The organisation advertised a position for a seasonal fisheries assistant, which it does every year. It states clearly that key experience is essential, as is a leaving certificate, level 5 national framework qualification or recognised equivalent, with minimum grade C in at least two higher level papers, to include one of biology, physics, chemistry, geography or maths. That is a standard requirement for Inland Fisheries Ireland for a junior position of temporary summer seasonal fisheries assistant. If we take the position of an inspector for Galway, however, there are no educational requirements whatsoever. This follows on from a more senior position again where there was a requirement initially for a third-level qualification. That post was pulled and readvertised with just a requirement for a leaving certificate. Why are these things happening? Is it a case that the organisation has people in mind for these jobs? That cannot be, surely, not in Inland Fisheries Ireland where clearly there are no issues. Inland Fisheries Ireland is a fiefdom. It is being controlled by the chief executive officer. Everyone I speak to within Inland Fisheries Ireland in Galway and Mayo knows exactly who is going to get the position of inspector in Galway, who indeed has no leaving certificate or junior certificate or intermediate certificate. I have no particular problem with that. I think there is too much emphasis on educational attainment. How is it that a more junior position requires two honours in the leaving certificate but a more senior inspector position does not? It is because the CEO knows exactly who is going to get the job. The CEO will pick his man. Those who write anonymous letters need to be looked after.