Mark H Durkan has demanded answers in relation to ongoing concerns with the civil service recruitment process.

Recent Assembly Questions tabled by Mr Durkan revealed that as of October 2025, there were 927 vacancies across NICS in the North West alone. Despite this, just 200 posts were advertised in the latest recruitment exercise for Administrative Officers (AO).

The Foyle MLA commented: “It would appear that lessons have not been learnt from the previous civil service recruitment fiasco last year. The process has been both frustrating and opaque for many applicants.

“The Minister of Finance and his party colleagues heralded the latest recruitment drive as a win, announcing 200 new jobs for the North West.

MLA Mark H. Durkan. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

placeholder image — MLA Mark H. Durkan. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

"However, reality paints a much different picture. There are more than 900 civil service vacancies in the region, many being covered by agency staff who feel increasingly undervalued and let down by the Department. The current recruitment drive covers just 22 per cent of those posts."

Mr. Durkan said temporary staff feel ‘demoralised and unseen’.

“I’ve written to the Minister of Finance, John O’Dowd, lamenting the ongoing recruitment issues,” he declared.

A Department of Finance spokesperson said: “Over 950 candidates have been invited to attend one of two recruitment days taking place this Wednesday and Thursday at the Ebrington Hotel in Derry.

“The Department is planning a third recruitment event in the North West and will be inviting further candidates who have previously provided an expression of interest to submit an application to attend this event and for an interview.

“Planning arrangements for this are underway and the next group of candidates will soon receive further details regarding their participation.”