Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why applicants for appointments in administration to posts in the Northern Ireland Civil Service were required to be under the age of 32 years on 1 October; and since when this age restriction has been in operation.
§ Mr. Ian StewartThe appointments in administration scheme is a trainee grade and the competition aims to ensure a supply of highly qualified people with the potential to fill senior posts in the Civil Service. Because of the requirement for minimum seniority periods to be served in each grade before an officer is eligible for promotion and the length and variety of Civil Service experience required by those appointed to the most senior posts, it in effect takes a considerable time before appointees are in a position to reach the most senior levels. The age limit of 32 is considered appropriate to the long-term needs of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, and reflects the substantial training input for candidates appointed to this grade.
The age limit for the appointments in administration competition in the Northern Ireland Civil Service has been 32, since the current appointments in administration scheme was introduced in 1973.