72 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for the Marine the arrangements, if any, which have been made for the filling of a recent vacant post of Harbour Maintenance Officer at Howth Harbour, Dublin 13; the number of persons interviewed and the interview board involved; the criteria operated by the interview board in deciding suitability of the appointee to this position; the overall cost of the holding of the interviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

A position as General Operative (Basic Scale) was advertised by my Department through FÁS in July 1992. Of the total of thirty candidates who applied for the position twenty-three attended interviews held on Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 September 1992.

The interview board consisted of two officials from my Department. The selection criteria operated by the board was based on the objective requirements of the job and included such factors as general suitability, experience, skills and presentation.