Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the reason persons (details supplied) are only being offered two month contracts which is at variance with their previous experience when they were offered eight and nine month contracts in previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11974/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that in line with the Government's drive to restore the public finances and reduce the budget deficit, all Departments have been asked to achieve a progressive reduction in staff numbers and payroll costs by implementing Employment Control Frameworks. In this regard, the Department of Finance now sets the numbers of temporary staff, referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied, that may be employed each month of the year. In line with the above stated Government policy to reduce public sector employment costs, I am advised that it has not been possible to offer the same number of contracts or contracts of the same duration as in previous years to the persons referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. It should be noted that while some of the contracts offered to such persons have been offered for shorter periods than in previous years, my Department is committed to ensuring the most effective use of all its staffing resources across the country and also to ensuring delivery of the best possible services to the public within the confines of reduced budgets and funding. My Department will keep the staffing situation referred to by the Deputy under review.