What did the competition rules say?
What does your union have to say?
How did you manage to be offered a job that the interview panel says you have no 'experience' in? (not getiing at you, I'm just trying to understand the appointment board's logic - if that's not an oxymoron)
If you challenge the commencement point on the new scale, will they withdraw the offer?
Obviously as this is a promotion, the "nearest point + 1" seems fair as it doesn't penalise you for seeking career progression, but then again this is the HSE.
How long would it take you get back to your current level of pay if you take the offer? Obviously you are topped out, so to speak on your current scale, apart from cost-of-living or LSI's if they apply, but is the short-term loss likely to lead to longer-term gain?