Labour Court recommends changes to Iarnrod Eireann vacancy selection process

The Labour Court recommended changes to a competency-based process for filling vacancies in Iarnrod Eireann’s Infrastructure Department. The recommendation was signed on 24 November 2011. The Services Industrial Professional Technical Union and NBRU sought to retain seniority-based selection, while Iarnrod Eireann supported selection based on merit and competency. The Court said suitability assessed through transparent, objective procedures should be the main consideration, with seniority potentially used to decide between equally suitable candidates. It recommended an HR representative from outside the competition’s regional area and a review six months after the first competency-based appointment. The amended proposals should be accepted by the parties and take effect immediately.