u/ProjectOne4852

Just looking for a bit of insight from anyone who has been through the HSE recruitment process recently.
I interviewed for a Grade IV Assistant Staff Officer panel with HSE Dublin and North East and got placed at number 93 on the order of merit list. Delighted to have passed, but just trying to get a realistic idea of timelines and whether that number is likely to move.
For anyone who was on a Grade III/IV panel before:
How fast did the panel move?
What number were you placed at?
How long did it take before you were contacted with an offer?
Did existing panels ahead of yours slow things down much?
Would really appreciate hearing people’s experiences, especially from Dublin/DNE areas.
Thanks a million.

Hi guys,

Just checking my options on getting a Lexus IS/CT from Japan. The Irish used market seems to be all “low mileage” 200,000km “barely broken in” cars for €18k and above. I started looking at Japanese auctions and saw decent grade 4–4.5 2016+ models with 60k km or lower that seem to land around €14k–15k including VRT/customs, which honestly seems way better value.
My major concern is the auction sheet only really talks about paint/body damage and cosmetic stuff. Pictures can obviously be deceiving too.
Does anyone know how people properly check cars mechanically before purchase in Japan, especially hybrids? Things like:
hybrid battery health

engine/gearbox condition

suspension wear

hidden rust/corrosion

previous repairs or flood damage

warning lights being cleared before auction

For people who’ve imported recently:
did you use an inspection company in Japan?

are there exporters you’d actually trust for honest checks/videos?

can Lexus/Toyota Japan service history be checked from the chassis number?

is there any proper way to assess the hybrid system before shipping?

are some auction houses more reliable than others?

I also heard something about if you have the Japanese proof of origin / Statement on Origin document, customs can be reduced to 0% under the EU–Japan agreement.
If anyone here has actually done that recently:
who normally provides the document?

exporter/dealer/shipping company?

was it straightforward?

anything people commonly miss with the paperwork?

ifyou have first hand experience with a hybrid lexus import id genuinely appreciate an opportunity to chat with you

You guys obviously know much more than me, so any help, advice, things to avoid, good exporters, shipping companies, or stuff you wish you knew before importing would really help a lot.
Just trying to make a properly informed decision before spending that kind of money.
Thanks lads.