Working Life

Parliamentary Reporters work in the Debates Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas which is responsible for producing the Official Report of the proceedings of Dáil Éireann, Seanad Éireann, and the various Oireachtas committees.

The work of a Parliamentary Reporter involves attendance in the Chambers of both Houses and committee rooms, logging proceedings and producing the report from the digital audio sound recording on the in-house bespoke debates authoring system using direct inputting and technologies such as voice recognition software.

Other tasks include the collation and production of replies to written parliamentary questions, revision/proofing of copy, indexing and other project-related work. The Debates Office is a dynamic environment with a dedicated, highly qualified and motivated staff who take immense pride in their work.

Staff are members of the British Irish Parliamentary Reporters Association, a professional network across parliaments in Ireland and the British Isles dedicated to attaining and maintaining the highest standards of parliamentary reporting.

The position requires an ability to work under pressure to meet agreed deadlines in submitting copy to the Editor of Debates for publication on the Oireachtas website in html, xml and pdf format. The job is demanding, requiring attention to detail and an ability to work under pressure. During the parliamentary session, Parliamentary Reporters typically work late into the night, often beyond midnight, at least three days a week on certain rosters. Candidates should be aware this is an essential element of the job.

Tasks

• Reporting proceedings of Parliament for publication.
• Attendance in the Chambers of both Houses and committee rooms.
• Logging proceedings and producing the Official Report from the digital audio sound recording using direct inputting and voice recognition software on an in-house debates authoring system.
• The collation and production of replies to written parliamentary questions, revision/proofing of copy, indexing, and other project-related work.

In Ireland, the reporting relationship is with the Editor of Debates. The Parliamentary Reporter also works closely with other Parliamentary Reporters, Editors, and Administrative Staff. The work of a Parliamentary Reporter at times requires contact with Deputies, Senators and other Oireachtas/departmental staff.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

A recognised honours degree (level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) is required for this role in an area such as politics, history, law, communications.

Academic or employment experience and published work, production of reports & research are valuable for entry to the role.

Parliamentary Reporters for the Debates Office are recruited both internally as a progression step up through the Civil Service, and externally, through open competition via www.publicjobs.ie.

Generally significant journalism, writing, reporting, administration experience at an appropriate level  and a third level educational qualifications relevant to the role are required in the Oireachtas.

The Civil Service strongly encourages its staff to further their education and improve their qualifications. A scheme providing for the refund of fees for third level courses is in place and paid study leave is allowed for staff attending such courses. On-the-job training also plays an important role in enabling employees to maximise their potential.  

Steps to applying:

1. Apply online at Publicjobs.ie before closing date;
2. Online Assessment Questionnaire;
3. Interview. 

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: journalism, community work, politics, creative writing.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: journalism, community work, politics, creative writing.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: journalism, politics.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: journalism, politics.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Postgraduate courses are also delivered in college via Springboard, these courses can be subsidized.  Search for job seekers or people in employment developing their career search Springboard courses.

Competency Framework 

Particular skills and requirements for each departmental role can be found in the Information Booklet for each campaign at Assistant principal level Publicjobs.ie 

Each Department in the Civil service in Ireland will require key skills from Public Service competency framework.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €43k - €75k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, and experience. Civil Service Pay scale applies. 

Data Source(s):
Public Appointments Service / Oireachtas/ Indeed/ Glassdoor

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Administrative assistants and officers (national and local government); officers of non-governmental organisations (e.g. administrators (charitable organisation); organisers (trade union); trade union officials.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The changes in classification as a result of the introduction of the new Labour Force Survey in 2017 are partly responsible for the strong employment growth rate for this occupation, although employment also grew strongly between 2019 and 2020, and continued to grow in 2022. Those employed are primarily female (69%), working full-time (90%), and over half (55%) held third-level qualifications. With a higher than average share of persons employed aged 55 years and older (31% compared to 19% for all occupations), replacement demand is likely to result in opportunities opening up for these roles even if employment growth slows.

There was a significant number of vacancies advertised online for clerical officer roles across the civil service and Government administration roles. However, recent job hires for 2022 far exceeded employment growth indicating that job churn is a feature of this occupation. While job openings are set to continue, upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here