Written answers

Thursday, 26 January 2012

Department of Justice, Equality and Defence

Defence Forces Recruitment

5:00 pm

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 190: To ask the Minister for Defence if entry to the Army cadets is open, fair and transparent and whether families are given priority. [4520/12]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Cadetship Competition is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the relevant Cadet Booklet. I am advised by the Military Authorities that all stages of the Cadetship Competition are carried out in a transparent and fair manner. A candidate must be successful in each stage of the competition in order to progress to the next stage. The following is an outline of the competition process:

· Candidates must attend and achieve a required mark for Psychometric Testing, which is carried out by the Public Appointments Service.

· The Fitness Test is a pass or fail test undertaken by all candidates in the presence of approximately seventy other candidates who are in attendance on each testing day.

· The Group Assessment is carried out in groups of six with each candidate individually assessed by a Commissioned Officer. This whole process is overseen by the Defence Forces Organisational Psychologist and is in line with best practice.

· The Interview Board, which undergoes interview training and follows a defined marking system in assessing all candidates, conducts a competency based interview.

The board comprises four Defence Forces personnel, which includes one female and the Defence Forces Organisational Psychologist, along with 1 Civilian Board Member who is nominated by the Public Appointments Service. All candidates are aware of the competencies to be evaluated before attending.

All candidates on completion of the process may apply for feedback in relation to their application. They are provided with a complete list of scores for each stage, the observation notes from the group assessment and all interview notes. It is stated in the Cadet Booklet that canvassing will result in the disqualification of the candidate involved. I am satisfied that the process of selection of Cadets for the Defence Forces is both fair and transparent and does not allow for priority to be given to any individual.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.