Question
46. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department recently held competitions for staff for various overseas visa offices; the number of male and female applicants who applied; who were short-listed for interview; who were successfully placed on a panel for possible appointment, by grade in each case; if there is any review channel for candidates who are dissatisfied with decisions made during the recruitment process; if so, the number of complaints received, by grade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35893/15]
Answer
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I can confirm that my Department recently invited expressions of interest among staff at Clerical Officer, Executive Officer and Higher Executive/Administrative Officer level for assignment in their current grade to posts at Irish Embassies Abroad. All persons who responded to the expressions of interest were invited for interview.
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in tabular form.
Higher Executive/Administrative Officer/Head of Visa Section
| Male | Female | Total | |
| Applications received | 8 | 12 | 20 |
The interviews for the Higher Executive/Administrative Officer posts have not yet been conducted. It is anticipated that interviews for these posts will be held in the coming weeks.
Executive Officer/Visa Officer
| Male | Female | Total | |
| Applications received | 11 | 10 | 21 |
| Placed on panel | 8 | 8 | 16 |
Clerical Officer/Assistant Visa Officer
| Male | Female | Total | |
| Applications received | 15 | 11 | 26 |
| Placed on Panel | 11 | 8 | 19 |
As assignment to above the posts do not involve promotion to a higher grade the terms of the Code of Practice titled Appointment to Positions in the Civil Service and Public Service published by the Commission for Public Service Appointments do not apply. No complaints have been received by the Human Resources Division of my Department under these expressions of interest. If, however, the Deputy is aware of specific concerns being raised by an applicant it is suggested that the individual should bring these to the attention of my Department's Personnel Officer.