TNAG-2396-FCO40-3483-Hong-Kong-Civil-Service-policy-1992 — Page 171

CODE 18-77

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference

NORTHERN IRELAND'S POSITION

9.

The Irish government have repeatedly raised the issue of nationality requirements for employment in the Northern Ireland Civil Service with the Department of Finance and Personnel in Belfast. Irish concern centres on the disparity of recruitment policies between NICS and the Home Civil Service regarding Irish nationals (NICS' policy is more restrictive). These discussions have been given an added impetus by a current legal case concerning an Irish national who was told he was ineligible for a post in NICS on the grounds of "public service".

10.

Peter Small of NICS is calling on RID tomorrow morning at 9.30 to discuss how he should play this issue with the Irish. As you know, he wishes to tell them about the ongoing discussions in Whitehall. He was unhappy with your suggestion to tell them only that recruitment policy is currently under review, given the extent of his earlier discussions with the Irish.

Dl JR M

DJ R Austin

29 April 1992

CC: Mr Farr

ID 3144

CONFIDENTIAL