Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
43. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he plans to reform Public Appointment Service hiring processes in order to attract new, elite talent to the public and civil services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11106/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for the question.
While the design and operation of recruitment processes are matters for the Public Appointments Service (Publicjobs) itself, as provided for under section 34(1)(e) of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, my Department works closely with Publicjobs at the policy level to review and modernise wider Civil Service attraction, assessment and recruitment approaches. This work relates to overall Civil Service recruitment policy, rather than the operational recruitment processes that Publicjobs administers independently, and helps ensure that our recruitment practices remain high-quality, modern and inclusive.
Publicjobs has undertaken extensive modernisation work in recent years. This includes a major branding and identity refresh to strengthen the visibility and appeal of public service careers, informed by research showing gaps in public awareness and perceptions.
Publicjobs has also received numerous national awards for excellence and innovation in recruitment, including the Excellence Through People Platinum Accreditation (2023); the Best in Innovation Award (2021); the Public Sector Awards for Excellence in Recruitment Services (2020 & 2021); and further recognitions for graduate outreach, digital learning and marketing campaigns.
In addition, in 2025 publicjobs was recognised as the Public Sector Organisation of the Year at the National Diversity and Inclusion Awards, and was awarded 5-star recognition from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) in recognition to its commitment to transformation and innovation.
Publicjobs has also invested significantly in digital recruitment tools and technologies. The majority of Publicjobs' assessments are now delivered fully online, allowing candidates to complete tests remotely through secure digital platforms. Assessments may be supported by remote proctoring technologies, ensuring robust supervision and verification where required.
Publicjobs has also procured a suite of modern digital assessment tools, including:
• Online assessments,
• Asynchronous video interviews,
• Virtual assessment centres and online exercises, and
• Hosting and development of bespoke assessments.
In parallel, Publicjobs has also deployed a dedicated eLearning Hub and digital training tools to support interview boards that strengthen the consistency and quality of selection processes.
These developments demonstrate Publicjobs’ significant progress in delivering a modern, digital, candidate-centred recruitment.
My Department will continue to work with Publicjobs to support this ongoing programme of reform.
