CANDIDATE INFORMATION BOOKLET
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Open competitions for appointment to the post(s) of
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSESSMENT MANAGER
MATHEMATICS
in the
State Examinations Commission
The Public Appointments Service is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.
The Public Appointments Service will run this campaign in compliance with the codes of
practice prepared by the new Commissioners for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).
Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.cpsa-online.ie
CHAPTER HOUSE
26 – 30 ABBEY STREET UPPER
DUBLIN 1
Telephone Number: 353 1 858 7400
www.publicjobs.ie
Examination and Assessment Manager – Mathematics
State Examinations Commission
1
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSESSMENT MANAGER
in the
State Examinations Commission
Background:
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for operation of the state
certificate examinations. Its remit includes the development, assessment, accreditation and
certification of examinations, including the established Leaving Certificate, Leaving
Certificate Applied and Junior Certificate examinations. The Examinations and Assessment
Division within the Commission is responsible for ensuring quality and effective conduct of
examinations.
It is intended to recruit an Examinations and Assessment Manager in the area of
Mathematics. A panel will be formed from which this vacancy, be filled.
The SEC headquarters is located in Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Examination and Assessment
Mangers are located throughout the country, in regional, local and home offices.
The principal duties of the posts include:
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acting as Chief Examiner for assigned examinations
preparing examination papers and other examination-related material
managing the marking of examination papers and other related components in the
assigned examinations
developing marking schemes and all other relevant documentation to the required
standards
managing the marking and appeals process in assigned examinations
maintaining standards from year to year;
advising on the appointment of contract staff, as required
managing the performance of assigned contract staff, including their training needs, as
required
providing professional advice to the State Examinations Commission
interacting with school management and staff
ensuring the quality and effective conduct of the state examinations
representing the SEC in national and international fora
Examination and Assessment Manager – Mathematics
State Examinations Commission
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Essential Requirements:
Candidates must meet the following essential requirements on or before 2010:
 hold a recognised primary degree in the area of Mathematics at first or second class
honours level that is acceptable to the Public Appointments Service as meeting the
requirements of the post or a qualification which would be acceptable to the Public
Appointments Service as being equivalent;
 have at least three years relevant postgraduate experience (relevant experience
includes teaching and lecturing and, may also include relevant further study and/or
educational research);
 have a comprehensive knowledge of the subject Mathematics;
 possess the ability to communicate effectively in English or Gaeilge, and have a good
knowledge of the other language;
 possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including knowledge of relevant legislation
and the Irish education system) and be suitable to enter on the discharge of the duties
of the position.
Desirable criteria:
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have knowledge and experience in the areas of examinations and assessment
management ability
ability to implement established procedures/protocols
analytical skills
decision-making skills
ability to think creatively and to convey ideas effectively
knowledge of assessment principles
ICT competence
leadership skills
knowledge of curriculum and assessment development
post-graduate qualification
hold a valid driver’s licence.
Examination and Assessment Manager – Mathematics
State Examinations Commission
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Appointment to Established Position as an
Examination and Assessment Manager - EAM - in the State Examinations
Commission
Probationary Contract for Period of One Year
Principal Conditions of Service
1. General
The appointment is subject to the Civil Service Regulations Acts 1956 to 2005 and the
Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and any other
Act for the time being in force relating to the Civil Service.
2. Pay
The salary scale for this position is as follows:
PPC (Personal Pension Contribution) Scale
€56,789,
€59,246,
€61,701,
€64,128,
€67,142, €71,671, €75,760,
€79,912,
(Max) €83,281 (1st LSI) €85,884, (2nd LSI) €88,494
Modified Scale
€53,984,
€56,326,
€58,654,
€60,963,
€63,867, €68,210, €72,097,
st
nd
€76,063,
(Max) €79,238 (1 LSI) €81,720, (2 LSI) €84,195
rates effective from 1 Jan 2010
Increments (apart from Long Service Increments –LSIs - payable following three and six
years satisfactory service respectively after reaching the maximum of the scale) are
payable annually subject to satisfactory service.
3. Starting Salary and Payment Arrangements
Entry will normally be at the minimum point of the scale. Consideration may, however, be
given to the possibility of placing an appointee with more than 5 years of recognised
teaching experience, at a point above the minimum. If an appointee is already a serving civil
servant, the entry point will be either existing salary plus accrued increment or the minimum
of the scale, whichever is the greater, subject to the maximum of the scale not being
exceeded. General round increases will be applied as they arise.
Payment will be made fortnightly in arrears by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) into a
bank account of an officer’s choice. Payment cannot be made until a bank account
number and bank sort code has been supplied to the Personnel Section of the relevant
Department/Office. Statutory deductions from salary will be made as appropriate by the
Department/Office.
An officer appointed to the post of Examination and Assessment Manager will agree that
any overpayment of salary or of travel and subsistence may be deducted from future
salary payments due in accordance with the Payment of Wages Act 1991. In accordance
Examination and Assessment Manager – Mathematics
State Examinations Commission
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with that Act, the Department/Office will advise the officer in writing of the amount and
details of such overpayment and give at least one week’s notice of the deduction to take
place and will deduct the overpayment, at an amount that is fair and reasonable having
regard to all the circumstances, within six months of such notice in accordance with the
Act.
4. Tenure and Probation
The appointment is to an established position on a probationary contract in the Civil
Service.
The probationary contract will be for a period of one year from the date of appointment.
Notwithstanding this paragraph and the paragraph immediately following below, this will
not preclude an extension of the probationary contract in appropriate circumstances.
During the period of the probationary contract, an officer’s performance will be subject to
review by the appropriate supervisor(s) to determine whether the officer:
(i) has performed in a satisfactory manner
(ii) has been satisfactory in general conduct, and
(iii) is suitable from the viewpoint of health with particular regard to sick leave.
Prior to completion of the probationary contract a decision will be made as to whether or
not the officer will be retained pursuant to Section 5A(2) Civil Service Regulation Acts
1956-2005. This decision will be based on the officer’s performance assessed against
the criteria set out in (i) to (iii) above. The detail of the probationary process will be
explained to the officer by the Department/Office. A copy of Department of Finance
guidelines on probation will also be made available to the officer.
Where an officer is an existing civil servant and is not considered as suitable to the
position having been assessed against stated criteria, the officer will be notified in writing
of the action to be taken prior to the expiry of the probationary contract and any
extensions thereof.
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs in this section, the probationary contract may
be terminated at any time prior to the expiry of the term of the contract by either side in
accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts, 1973 to 2005.
In certain circumstances the contract may be extended and the probation period
suspended. The extension must be agreed by both parties.
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The probationary period stands suspended where an employee is absent due to
Maternity or Adoptive Leave
In relation to Examination and Assessment Manager absent on Parental Leave or Carers
Leave, the State Examinations Commission:
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may require probation to be suspended if the absence is not considered to be
consistent with a continuation of the probation
Examination and Assessment Manager – Mathematics
State Examinations Commission
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Probation may be suspended in cases such as absence due to a non-recurring
illness.
The Examination and Assessment Manager may in these circumstances make application
to the State Examinations Commission for an extension to the contract period.
5. Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977-2005
The Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977-2005 will not apply to the termination of this employment
by reason only of the expiry of this probationary contract without it being renewed
6. Duties
The Examination and Assessment Manager will be required to perform any duties
appropriate to the position which may be assigned from time to time. The officer may not
engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere
with the performance of official duties or conflict with his/her role in the State Examinations
Commission
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7. Headquarters
The officer’s headquarters will be such as may be designated from time to time by the Head
of the Department or Office or by another appropriate authorised officer. When absent from
home and headquarters on duty appropriate travelling expenses and subsistence
allowances will be paid, subject to the normal civil service regulations.
8. Hours of attendance
Hours of attendance will be as fixed from time to time but will amount, on average, to not
less than 41 hours gross or 34 hours and 45 minutes net per week. Flexibility will be
required with regard to extra attendance, which may be required from time to time. The rate
of remuneration payable covers any exceptional extra attendance liability that may arise and
no additional payment will be made for such extra attendance (over and above 41 hours
gross or 34 hours and 45 minutes net per week).
9. Annual Leave
On recruitment the annual leave allowance for Examination and Assessment Manager will
be 25 working days a year rising to 30 after five years service and to 31 after ten years
service. Otherwise the annual leave allowance will be 30 working days a year rising to 31
days after five years service. This allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the
granting of annual leave and is on the basis of a five-day week and is exclusive of the usual
public holidays.
10. The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997
Examination and Assessment Manager – Mathematics
State Examinations Commission
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The terms of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 will apply, where appropriate, to
this appointment.
11. Sick Leave
Pay during properly certified sick absence, provided there is no evidence of permanent
disability for service, will apply on a pro-rata basis, in accordance with the provisions of the
sick leave circulars.
Officers paying the Class A rate of PRSI will be required to sign a mandate authorising the
Department of Social Protection to pay any benefits due under the Social Welfare Acts
direct to the State Examinations Commission. Payment of salary during illness will be
subject to the officer making the necessary claims for social insurance benefit to the
Department of Social and Family Affairs within the required time limits.
12. Secrecy, Confidentiality and Standards of Behaviour
Official Secrecy and Integrity
During the term of the probationary contract, an officer will be subject to the Provisions of
the Official Secrets Act, 1963, as amended by the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and
2003. The officer will agree not to disclose to third parties any confidential information either
during or subsequent to the period of employment.
Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour
12.1. The officer is subject to the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.
Ethics in Public Office Acts
12.2. The Ethics in Public Office Acts will apply, where appropriate, to this appointment.
13. Prior approval of publications
An officer will agree not to publish material related to his or her official duties without prior
approval by the Head of the Department or Office or by another appropriate authorised
officer.
14. Political Activity
During the term of employment the officer will be subject to the rules governing
civil servants and politics.
15. Personnel Code
Further details and circulars regarding these terms and conditions can be found in An Cod
Pearsanra and are available on the following web site www.codpearsanra.gov.ie.
16. Superannuation and Retirement
Successful candidates will be offered the appropriate pension terms and retirement age
conditions as prevailing in the civil service at the time of being offered an appointment.
Examination and Assessment Manager – Mathematics
State Examinations Commission
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The current pension and retirement age conditions terms and conditions are as set out
immediately below. Candidates should be aware that, as announced in Budget 2010, the
Government has decided to introduce a new single pension scheme, along with a new
retirement age provision, for new recruits to the public service.
NB: Candidates should note that this may mean that pension and retirement age terms
different from those set out below may accompany an offer of appointment.
At present the terms of the Contributory Pension Scheme for Established Civil Servants and of
the associated Spouses’ and Children’s Pension Scheme for Established Civil Servants apply to
appointments of this kind. Membership of this scheme is compulsory, and includes the following
provisions with respect to pension terms, retirement age and associated conditions:
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New Entrant Status
o If the appointee is deemed to be a new entrant (as defined in the Public Service
Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004), there is, currently, no
specified retirement age in respect of the appointment to the position. The
minimum age at which pension is payable is 65.
o If the appointee is deemed not to be a new entrant (as defined in the Public
Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004) retirement is
compulsory on reaching 65 years of age.
At the time of being offered an appointment, the State Examinations Commission, in
consultation with the Department of Finance, will in the light of the appointee’s employment
history, determine whether he or she is a “new entrant”. Appointees will be required to
disclose their full public service history.
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Abatement
Normal rules regarding abatement of pensions will apply, as appropriate. However, if
the appointee was previously employed in the Civil Service and awarded a pension
under voluntary early retirement arrangements (other than the Incentivised Scheme of
Early Retirement (ISER) which, as indicated above, renders a person ineligible for the
competition) the entitlement to that pension will cease with effect from the date of
reappointment. Special arrangements will, however be made for the reckoning of
previous service given by the appointee for the purpose of any future superannuation
award for which the appointee may be eligible.
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This appointment is subject to the pension-related deduction in accordance with the
Financial Emergency Measure in the Public Interest Act 2009.
The terms of the Contributory Pension Scheme for Established Civil Servants and of the
Contributory Spouses’ and Children Pension Scheme for Established Civil Servants will
apply to this appointment. Membership of the scheme is compulsory for new entrants.
Examination and Assessment Manager – Mathematics
State Examinations Commission
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There is no specified retirement age in respect of an appointment to this position for an
officer deemed to be a “new entrant” (as defined in the Public Service Superannuation
(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004) and, in general, 65 is the minimum age at which
pension is payable.
For an officer who is deemed not to be a “new entrant” as defined in the Public Service
Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, retirement is compulsory on reaching
65 years of age and an earlier minimum pension age may apply.
At the time of being offered appointment, the Department or Office will, in the light of an
officer’s employment history, determine whether he or she is a “new entrant” or not.
Candidates are advised to consult Section 2 of the Public Service Superannuation
(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 in relation to the definition of “new entrant”. The text of
Section 2 and of the Act is available on the website www.irishstatutebook.ie
16.1. If an officer was previously employed in the Civil Service and awarded a pension
under voluntary early retirement arrangements, entitlement to that pension will cease with
effect from the date of reappointment. Special arrangements will, however, be made for the
reckoning of previous service given by the officer for the purpose of any future
superannuation award for which the officer may be eligible.
16.2. If an officer was previously employed in the Civil Service and was paid a marriage
gratuity, pensionable service before marriage will not be reckoned for superannuation
purposes unless an appropriate refund is made in respect of that gratuity.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Different conditions of service may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the officer
appointed is
(a) already a serving civil servant who is paying the Class B rate of PRSI, or
(b) serving in an non-established capacity in the civil service and has had continuous
service in that capacity since 5 April, 1995, or
(c) serving elsewhere in the public sector in a position in respect of which s/he is
paying the Class B,C or D rate of PRSI contribution
Details of the salary scale and conditions of service applicable to such officers are available
on request from the Public Appointments Service.
Examination and Assessment Manager – Mathematics
State Examinations Commission
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SELECTION METHOD
The methods used to select the successful candidate for this post may include:
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Shortlisting of candidates on the basis of the information contained in their application
Preliminary Interview to reduce the numbers of candidates to a more manageable
number for the main interview board
A competitive interview possibly including a presentation by the candidate
An assessment will be made of candidates’ ability to communicate in both Gaeilge
and English at the time of interview and will comprise conversation on ordinary
topics and on matters relating to the post.
Normally the number of applications received for a position exceeds that required to fill
existing and future vacancies to the position. While a candidate may meet the eligibility
requirements of the competition, if the numbers applying for the position are such that it
would not be practical to interview everyone, the Public Appointments Service may decide
that a number only will be called to interview. In this respect, the Public Appointments
Service provide for the employment of a shortlisting process to select a group for interview
who, based on an examination of the application forms, appear to be the most suitable for
the position. This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or
incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates who are, prima
facie, better qualified and/or have more relevant experience.
During any shortlisting exercise that may be employed, the Public Appointments Service are
guided by an expert board who examine the application forms and assess them against predetermined criteria based on the requirements of the position. It is therefore in a candidate’s
interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of his/her qualifications/ experience on
the application form.
The onus is on all applicants to make themselves available on the date(s) specified by the
Public Appointments Service and to make whatever arrangements are necessary to ensure
that they receive communications sent to them at the contact details specified on their
application form. The Public Appointments Service will not be responsible for expenses
incurred by candidates.
Completing the Application Form:
Applications must be made on the official application form and will be treated in strict
confidence. All sections of the form must be fully completed. When completing the
application form accuracy is essential, as it will be used as a computer input document and
candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied.
Any inaccuracy in completing the form may result in rejection. Therefore it is in a
candidate’s interest to ensure that the information supplied in all sections is correct. If it is
necessary to continue on a separate sheet please set the information out in the same
manner as in the application form.
Examination and Assessment Manager – Mathematics
State Examinations Commission
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The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be
taken as implying that the Public Appointments Service is satisfied that such person fulfils
the requirements of the competition or is not disqualified by law from holding the position
and does not carry a guarantee that your application will receive further consideration. It is
important, therefore, for candidates to note that the onus is on them to ensure that they
meet the eligibility requirements for the competition before attending for interview. A
candidate who does not meet these essential entry requirements but nevertheless attends
for interview will be putting his or herself to unnecessary expense as the Public
Appointments Service will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred.
Candidates should note that canvassing will disqualify.
Confidentiality:
Subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Acts, 1997 and 2003, applications will be treated in
strict confidence.
Closing date:
The completed application form must be forwarded so as to reach the Public
Appointments Service, “Chapter House”, 26 – 30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, not
later than, 2010. If you do not receive an acknowledgement confirming receipt of your
completed application form, please contact this office. An application form sent by post
should be posted in sufficient time to ensure delivery by this deadline. Allegations of loss or
delay will not be considered unless supported by a Certificate of Posting. The cost of
postage must be borne by the applicant.
Examination and Assessment Manager – Mathematics
State Examinations Commission
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Candidates' Rights - Review Procedures in relation to the Selection Process
General information
The Public Appointments Service will consider requests for review in accordance with the
provisions of the codes of practice published by the CPSA. A candidate can seek a review
by a person in the recruiting body (initial reviewer). Where a candidate remains dissatisfied
following this initial review, he/she may seek to have the conduct of the initial review
examined by a “decision arbitrator”.
As an alternative to the above, it is open to a candidate to seek to have the matter resolved
on an informal basis, as set out below. If a candidate remains dissatisfied following any such
discussion it is open to him/her to seek a formal review.
The Codes of Practice are available on the website of the Commission for Public Service
Appointments, www.cpsa-online.ie.
Informal process
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The candidate can avail of the Informal Review within 5 working days of notification of
the initial decision, and should normally take place between the candidate and the
person who communicated the decision (or relevant person).
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Where the decision being conveyed relates to an interim stage of a selection process,
the request for informal review must be received within 2 working days of the date of
receipt of the decision.
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Where a candidate remains dissatisfied following any such informal discussion,
he/she may adopt the formal procedures set out below.
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If the candidate wishes the matter to be dealt with by way of a formal review, he/she
must do so within 2 working days of the notification of the outcome of the informal
review.
Formal process: Initial review
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The candidate must address his/her concerns in relation to the process in writing to
the Chief Executive, setting out those aspects of the action or decision in relation to
his/her candidature that he/she wishes to have reviewed.
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A request for review must be made within 10 working days of the notification of the
initial decision. Where the decision relates to an interim stage of a selection process,
the request for review must be received within 4 working days.
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Any extension of these time limits will only be granted in the most exceptional of
circumstances and will be at the sole discretion of the Chief Executive.
Examination and Assessment Manager – Mathematics
State Examinations Commission
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The outcome must generally be notified to the candidate within 20 working days of
receipt of the complaint or request for review. The candidate will receive the outcome
of the review by means of a written report.
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Should a candidate be dissatisfied with the outcome of the initial review, he/she may
request a review by a decision arbitrator of the conduct of the initial review.
Review by the decision arbitrator
The decision arbitrator is appointed by the Chief Executive. The decision arbitrator is
unconnected with the selection process and he/she will adjudicate on requests for review in
cases where a candidate is not satisfied with the outcome of the initial review. The decision
of the decision arbitrator in relation to such matters is final.
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A request made to the decision arbitrator must be received within 7 working days of
the notification of the outcome of the initial review.
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The outcome of the investigation must be notified to the candidate in the form of a
written report within 10 working days.
Candidates' Obligations
Candidates should note that canvassing will disqualify and will result in their exclusion from
the process.
Candidates must not:
 knowingly or recklessly provide false information
 canvass any person with or without inducements
 interfere with or compromise the process in any way.
A third party must not personate a candidate at any stage of the process.
Any person who contravenes the above provisions or who assists another person in
contravening the above provisions is guilty of an offence. A person who is found guilty of an
offence is liable to a fine/or imprisonment.
In addition, where a person found guilty of an offence was or is a candidate at a recruitment
process, then:
 where he/she has not been appointed to a post, he/she will be disqualified as a
candidate; and
 where he/she has been appointed subsequently to the recruitment process in
question, he/she shall forfeit that appointment.
Deeming of candidature to be withdrawn
Candidates who do not attend for interview or other test when and where required by the
Public Appointments Service, or who do not, when requested, furnish such evidence, as the
Public Appointments Service require in regard to any matter relevant to their candidature,
will have no further claim to consideration.
Examination and Assessment Manager – Mathematics
State Examinations Commission
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Quality Customer Service
We aim to provide an excellent quality service to all our customers. If, for whatever reason,
a candidate is unhappy with any aspect of the service received from PAS, the candidate
should bring this to the attention of the unit or staff member concerned. This is important as
it ensures that PAS is aware of the problem and can take the appropriate steps to resolve it.
Data Protection Acts 1988 & 2003
When an application form is received, PAS creates a computer record in the candidate’s
name, which contains much of the personal information supplied. This personal record is
used solely in processing the candidature. Such information held on computer is subject to
the rights and obligations set out in the Data Protection Acts, 1988 & 2003. Candidates are
entitled under these acts to obtain, at any time, copy of such information which is kept on
computer. The Public Appointments Service charges a fee of €6.35 for each request. A
candidate should enclose a cheque or postal order and address the request to: THE DATA
PROTECTION CO-ORDINATOR, PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS SERVICE, “CHAPTER
HOUSE”, 26-30 ABBEY STREET UPPER, DUBLIN 1. Certain items of information, not
specific to any individual, are extracted from computer records for general statistical
purposes.
Examination and Assessment Manager – Mathematics
State Examinations Commission
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