Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 4 October 2012, the way staff were selected for Dublin Airport posts; if Irish language abilities were weighed into the selection decision; if any complaints or concerns were made regarding these appointments and if so the outcome of any subsequent investigation; the reason these officials have been subjected to daily security checks while other airport employees are not; if he has concerns regarding the payment of extra pay or allowances to these officials such as paid to other civil servants working in the airport; and if so, will he outline details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55888/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

For the pilot, invitations for expression of interest were invited from serving Clerical Officers (CO) and Executive Officers (EO) from across the Department of Justice and Equality. A short-listing of interested candidates followed by an interview with those short-listed was carried out and a panel of suitable candidates at EO and CO level was established. I am informed that one individual made a complaint regarding their failure to be short-listed. Department of Finance Circulars 43/75 and 30/1990 set out the provisions as regards credit for proficiency in both Irish and English in confined promotion competitions. Since promotions were not involved in the assignments to the airport, the terms of these circulars did not apply. It should be noted that staff on the pilot who are currently deployed at Pier B in Terminal One operate a standard day between the hours of 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Accordingly, questions of additional core pay, allowances, shift patterns, etc. do not arise. These are, of course, matters under consideration as part of the rollout of the overall project including discussions with the relevant representative bodies in due course.

The Deputy will appreciate that matters of airport security are a matter, in the first instance, for the Airport authorities under the policy direction of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.