Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

635. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his knowledge of the circumstances of the appointment of a person (details supplied); the recruitment process which was undertaken; the number of other candidates who applied for the position; the steps taken to certify this persons qualifications and experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37322/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

While I cannot comment on individual cases, I am advised that the Public Appointments Service ran a competition for the position of Acting Deputy State Pathologist in 2007. I am informed that as a result of that competition the position was filled in line with the eligibility criteria.

The essential eligibility criteria for this position were outlined in the booklet issued in respect of the competition and are set out below:

Qualifications

Candidates must on or before 1st February, 2007 –

a. Be a medical practitioner who is registered (otherwise than provisionally or temporarily) in the General Register of Medical Practitioners or who is entitled to be so registered;

and

(b) (i) be a member of the Royal College of Pathologists in Forensic Pathology or Neuropathology;

or

(ii) possess Certificates of American Boards in both Anatomic and Forensic Pathology;

or

(iii) hold a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training in Forensic Pathology in an EU Country;

or

(iv) possess the M.R.C.P.I. or the M.R.C. Path. (Histopathology), and one of the following diplomas:-

Diploma in Forensic Pathology of the Royal College of Pathologists;

or

Diploma in Medical Jurisprudence (Pathology) of the London Society of Apothecaries;

or

Equivalent qualification;

or

Extensive experience in Forensic Pathology;

(v) hold a qualification which would be acceptable to the Public Appointments Service as being at least equivalent to the requirements specified in sub-paragraph (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above;

and

c. (i) have had, since becoming entitled to full registration, at least six years’ satisfactory experience in the practice of the medical profession including at least three years’ experience in forensic pathology and presenting evidence in court as an expert witness.

and

(ii) otherwise possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including the ability to communicate effectively) and be suitable to discharge the duties of the position.

d. Candidates who are otherwise qualified but do not have sufficient experience in Forensic Pathology to be eligible under b(iv) and c(i) above (ie possess the M.R.C.P.I. or the M.R.C.Path. (Histopathology) but do not have extensive experience in Forensic Pathology) may be appointed as Acting Deputy State Pathologist.

An appointment as Acting Deputy State Pathologist would be considered with a view to appointing the individual as Deputy State Pathologist following a sufficient period of training and appropriate experience in the area of Forensic Pathology that will qualify the candidate for eligibility under (a), (b) and (c) above.