Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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265. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if alternatives to aptitude tests been considered for recruitment through the Public Appointments Service; the steps he has taken to diversify the recruitment process for those who may have difficulties with aptitude tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24583/21]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) that they use a variety of assessments across the range of roles for which it recruits. Each selection process is designed to assess the particular skills, competencies and experience required for the specific role, informed by a detailed Job Analysis. Some examples of the assessments used by PAS include pre-recorded Video Interviews, Role Plays, Assessment Questionnaires, Work Sample exercises, E-tray Exercises and Strategic Presentations. Research shows that Aptitude Tests are excellent predictors of job performance.

PAS have also informed me that when these are used as part of a selection process, there are significant accommodations available for candidates who may have difficulties and require adjustments. The main accommodations provided include extra time, modified versions of the tests, scribes, screen readers, and scheduled breaks. Adjustments are provided on a case by case basis, depending on the particular requirements of the candidate, and are designed to meet the individual candidate’s needs in terms of the specific tests being used. This allows PAS to ensure that all candidates can effectively demonstrate their aptitude as part of the selection process. This is an area that is kept under constant review.