Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Like all other entities within the system, the Department is under enormous pressure in the context of staff numbers. Mr. Michael Keogh, who is sitting next to me, is the assistant secretary with responsibility not just for matters relating to finance but also for those relating to personnel. Workloads are increasing and people who are retiring are not being replaced. In light of the moratorium, opportunities for promotion are limited. I am conscious of the need to maintain morale. The caricature of civil servants which still permeates parts of RTE - it is a bit rich when one considers the source - is a long way from the reality.