Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Finance the position regarding clerical officers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6684/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) that the most recent competition to fill Temporary Clerical positions in the civil service was advertised by the PAS in February 2011. The competition was announced on 24th February 2011 and closed on 2nd March 2011. In excess of 13,500 applications were received. A selection process to put in place panels to fill temporary clerical positions is currently under way. Applicants for that campaign were required to fulfil the following requirements (as set out in the Information Booklet for Candidates published at that time) when applying for the position. Candidates must:

(a) have the requisite knowledge and the ability and be suitable to enter on the discharge of the duties of the position. This includes the ability to:

· take direction / follow instructions

· organise and prioritise their work effectively;

· be able to work well with the public and colleagues;

· be flexible in their approach to work;

and

(b) be able to communicate effectively in a clear and concise manner

and

(c) fulfil the requirements set out as to age, citizenship, health & character.

It is desirable that applicants would have previous relevant work experience and good IT skills.

Age

Applicants must, on or before 2 March 2011, be at least 16 years of age (i.e. born on or before 2 March 1995).

Citizenship Requirement

Eligibility to compete is open to suitably qualified candidates from the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the member states of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Citizens of non- EEA States are not eligible to compete. Special conditions may apply to citizens of Bulgaria and Romania following their entry to the European Union and their eligibility to be employed and work in Ireland

Health & Character

Those under consideration for a position will be required to complete a health and character declaration. Candidates should be of good character and a reference may be required. Some posts will require special security clearance and will require completion of a form for Garda vetting purposes.