Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the procedures and criteria used in the selection of post primary school inspectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17587/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Post-primary inspectors are appointed following an open competition organised through the Public Appointments Service (PAS). For the most recent competition the essential requirements were that an applicant must: hold a recognised, relevant first or second class honours primary degree (Level 8, National Qualifications Framework) in which the subject specialism required in the advertisement was taken as a major subject in the final honours degree examination; hold a recognised teacher education qualification relevant to the post-primary sector (minimum Level 8) gained through a concurrent or consecutive route be registered (without conditions) with the Teaching Council in Ireland on the basis of qualifications recognised for the purpose of registration as a teacher in the post-primary sector; or satisfy the Public Appointments Service that the applicant is eligible to be registered (without conditions) with the Teaching Council in Ireland under Regulation 4 (Post-Primary) of the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2009; have at least five years' satisfactory service as a teacher at second level subsequent to the granting of full registration under the sector Post-primary with the Teaching Council in Ireland (or with an equivalent body in another jurisdiction); be able to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the second-level school system in Ireland; be able to demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively in both English and Irish; and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including IT skills.

The selection procedures involve a competency-based competitive interview. The main categories of competence employed in the most recent competition included: working effectively with individuals and groups; commitment to on-going development of relevant knowledge and skills; evaluating and making recommendations for improvement; managing and organising workload effectively; and professional knowledge and expertise. The specific competencies are made available to candidates by the PAS at the time of application.