Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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240. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline the due diligence and background checking that was undertaken by the Public Appointments Service in respect of the processing of a person's successful application for a role in the public service (details supplied); if he will confirm whether the hiring Department raised any concerns with him and-or the PAS in respect of the processing of a person through the PAS to his Department; and if he and or PAS intend to review background checks on successful applicants. [25878/23]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is the primary recruiter for the civil service and establishes panels that individual civil service employers may access as vacancies fall to be filled. The PAS Employment Checks process is tailored to the type and grade of the role, and the skills and experience required, and also takes account of whether the post is permanent or contract. I am informed by the PAS that the process below has applied to all candidates reaching the Employment Checks stage of the recruitment process for Temporary Clerical Officer since 2021.

1. A Candidate Self Declaration form. This form asks candidates to declare their suitability in terms of Health, Character and to disclose any prior work issues that may have arose. Specifically, candidates are asked to verify that:

-"There is no reason on the grounds of work performance or employment history why my application should not be considered for this post. I also confirm that I have never received an unsatisfactory work-related reference or appraisal, received official warnings or been dismissed from any employment".

- "There is no reason on the grounds of character why my application should not be considered for this post. I also confirm that I have never been convicted in a court of law of any offence of a criminal nature. I am not currently under investigation or awaiting trial for any wrongdoing".

2. Garda Vetting through the National Vetting Bureau (NVB)

3. Passport or another document to confirm citizenship eligibility as per the criteria in the information booklet.

4. Scanned Document Declaration. (Document in which the candidate confirms that any document personal submitted is not a false record).

PAS engage with clients throughout the course of recruitment competitions and any issues that are notified by an employing department in relation to a recruitment process, are thoroughly investigated by PAS.

PAS monitors and updates its Employment Checks processes on an ongoing basis.