Written answers

Thursday, 28 September 2017

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Departmental Staff Recruitment

Photo of John BrassilJohn Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

98. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the access routes into the Civil Service that are available for persons with special needs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41162/17]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, recruitment to the Public sector may be conducted by the various employing organisations.  The Public Appointments Services (PAS) is an independent statutory body which provides professional recruitment and selection services when requested to the civil and public service under licence from the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).  As a public body established under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act, 2004, PAS is also obliged, under section 34(1)(b) of that Act, to ensure that "standards of probity, merit, equity and fairness" apply to all of its recruitment and selection processes. 

I understand from PAS that they use verbal and numerical reasoning tests, alongside other assessment tools including interview, for Civil Service roles such as Clerical Officer.  The reason for using these types of test is that there is a very significant body of international research which provides evidence that they are the most effective techniques to predict job performance. 

Competitions advertised by PAS are open to all applicants including people with disabilities who fulfil the eligibility requirements set out at that time.  PAS carefully considers all requests for reasonable accommodation.  In considering such requests, PAS is conscious of the rights of people with disabilities and of the obligations on PAS to observe those rights and to act in accordance with the provisions of the relevant equality legislation.

To assist PAS in considering request for reasonable accommodations in a fair and balanced way, candidates are asked to submit evidence in support of their request.  PAS will consider letters or reports from relevant professionals which clearly indicate the severity and the type of accommodation(s) that may be relevant to the person.  For example, candidates may be afforded extra time and/or alternative formats if assessment tests are part of the selection process.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.