Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 24 together.

Since 9 March 2011, a total of six civil servants in my Department have availed of early retirement. To date, a further four civil servants have formally indicated their intention to avail of early retirement before 29 February 2012. The Government's National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 sets out revised ceilings for public service staff numbers for the Department of Defence which are to be achieved through the implementation of the employment control framework, ECF. Since the introduction of the ECF, my Department has maintained its services through a range of measures, including restructuring, reprioritisation and realignment of business processes, and so on. My Department is required to meet an authorised staffing level of 358 for 2012 and has already met this target. Where a post falls to be filled, my Department will use the mechanisms available.

I am confident that my Department will continue to deliver on its objectives by reprioritising work and streamlining business processes to achieve greater efficiencies despite the reduced numbers.

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