Brian Walsh (Galway West, Independent)
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49. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will list all positions that the Central Bank of Ireland has sought to fill since the 1 of January 2013; if these recruitment processes resulted in the employment of an external candidate or an existing employee of the Central Bank of Ireland or the wider public service; if the recruitment policy of the Central Bank of Ireland favours candidates with an employment history with the State and its agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9770/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Finance, I have no role in the employment of staff in the Central Bank. Under the Central Bank Act 1942, the Central Bank Commission is responsible for administrating the staff of the Central Bank with a view to enabling the Central Bank to perform and exercise its functions and powers. I have been informed by the Central Bank that the Central Bank Commission approves the staffing plan for the Central Bank on an annual basis and this defines the resourcing needs across the organisation. The Central Bank adopts a thorough recruitment and selection process for all positions with a view to selecting the most suitable candidate for the role whether they are internal or external.  I have been further informed by the Central Bank that the selection process involves an initial shortlisting by HR, further shortlisting by the hiring manager against an agreed criteria and role profile, aptitude tests (for more junior roles), interviews (with a selection panel), assessment centre (for senior roles) and second interview. All successful applicants have to complete a probationary period of 6 months. While it is not possible in the given timeframe to list all positions that the Central Bank has sought to fill since 1 January 2013, the Central Bank has informed me that 289 roles were filled in 2013, of which 46% were by external candidates and 54% through internal transfers or promotion.