Northern Ireland Civil Service

HL Deb 07 January 2003 vol 642 c169WA

Lord Rogan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the implementation of recruitment policies and practices in the Northern Ireland Civil Service is satisfactory; and whether the same criteria are applied to the Northern Ireland Civil Service as to the Civil Service in England and Wales. [HL382]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Yes. These policies and practices reflect both employment law as it applies specifically in Northern Ireland and the particular requirements of the Civil Service Commissioners for Northern Ireland. Specific selection criteria depend on the qualities and skills needed for particular posts. The general principle of recruitment on merit in fair and open competition is common to Civil Service appointments throughout the United Kingdom.