Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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428.To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he would provide test centres for Remote Proctoring in the recruitment process for a public job, given that many applicants do not have access to the specified device to take the test (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35076/24]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by publicjobs (the Public Appointments Service), the statutory independent recruiter for the Public and Civil Service, that Remote Proctoring is a critical tool in their assessment process. It is utilised to confirm the candidate’s identity, to ensure adherence with the rules and guidelines, and to verify that the assessments are completed independently, fairly and without assistance. Its use promotes fairness and integrity in recruitment competitions. Remote Proctoring is widely used across the private, public and education sectors, and serves as a suitable alternative to gathering large groups of individuals onsite.

Remote proctoring also enhances the candidate experience by allowing the opportunity to complete the assessments in one’s chosen environment, at a time that is convenient and without the need of having to potentially travel long distances to an assessment centre.

Pre-assessment information material is provided by publicjobs one week prior to the assessment window opening, outlining in detail what would be required to complete the tests, including the technical specifications and requirements in relation to the device and connectivity. This timeframe is built into the recruitment process, to allow candidates sufficient time to familiarise themselves with the assessment, the online platform and to ensure they have sufficient connectivity and access to the required technology.

Public jobs data shows that the vast majority of candidates have access to a device to complete the remote proctored assessments. In cases where candidates do not own a suitable device or are unable to borrow one, they can request publicjobs for access to a device. In those cases, publicjobs can provide them the opportunity to visit their office in Chapter House, Abbey Street, Dublin 1, to complete their assessments.

At this time, publicjobs do not have immediate plans to change the approach of online testing via remote proctoring. However, publicjobs is committed to facilitating in-person testing in cases where a candidate informs them that they have no access to technology, or in cases of reasonable accommodation, whereby a candidate may require an alternative format of the assessment due to disability. publicjobs engage closely with candidates in these instances, on a case-by-case basis, to ensure an appropriate solution is offered.