Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the common pool for recruitment to promotional positions in local authorities amongst others; if he will provide more promotional positions to open competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36482/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Common Recruitment Pool system, which has been in operation for more than 20 years, provides for the filling of posts at Grades V to VII in local authorities and other relevant agencies by competition confined to Local Authorities, Health Boards, Vocational Education Committees, Institutes of Technology and certain other health and local government agencies. Since 1 January 2007, arrangements are in place for 20% of posts at Grades V to VII to be filled by open competition.

A commitment under Towards 2016 to introduce a graduate entry level to local authorities is currently being progressed. Issues relating to the achievement of these commitments are currently being discussed with the relevant unions and staff interests. A significant Programme of Public Sector Reform is also now included in the Renewed Programme for Government including new initiatives in relation to hiring and promotion criteria, and increased open competition for senior Public Service appointments.