Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I apologise. I thought the Deputy was asking how many people worked in PAS. The Deputy is asking how many clerical positions we are going to fill. It depends. I indicated in a parliamentary reply that because of the speed with which we established PeoplePoint in my Department, for example, there is a number of people appointed there on contract. I want to regularise this. Therefore, I will be using the panel to backfill positions there. As we expand, I will again use the panel. Other Departments will also be recruiting. The exact number to be recruited is not clear yet. However, there will be a large panel established from which it will be possible to draw. As I have indicated, one thing I want to do next year is devolve authority to Departments and agencies to operate within their own pay ceiling but to be flexible in terms of the skills mix they determine is required. They might determine to hire additional clerical officers rather than a more senior grade. As long as they stay within agreed pay norms, that will be acceptable.