Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Renua Ireland)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

305. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will deal with a matter regarding the recruitment of clerical officers (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32937/15]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In my Expenditure Statement  for 2015 I announced the cessation of the moratorium on recruitment and the introduction of delegated responsibility for staffing levels consistent with approved pay budgets.

Recruitment into the civil service is governed by the Public Service (Management and Recruitment) Act 2004. Under that Act the only way of being appointed to a permanent civil service post is by being successful in a competition run by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). Selection processes are open to all eligible applicants who meet minimum entry criteria. 

In the main, vacancies in the civil service are filled on a permanent basis. However, temporary vacancies arise from time to time usually to cover such absences as maternity leave or shorter working year where a role needs to be carried out for a finite period of time. Temporary Clerical Officer (TCO) positions in the civil service are filled by an annual competition conducted by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) which is usually advertised in February of each year.

By their nature these posts a temporary and persons appointed to TCO posts do not have an automatic entitlement to a permanent CO post. Persons seeking permanent employment must apply through and be successful in a competition run by PAS for permanent posts.

Any persons who registers with will be advised of employment opportunities in the public service as they arise.