Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Notwithstanding the ongoing rota of retirements it has been the policy of the Department over many years to ensure that we have a programme in place to minimise any loss of expertise. We ensure we have people in place with the appropriate level of expertise to meet the needs required in important roles. Through our recruitment and promotion competitions, organised by the Public Appointments Service, PAS, we have recruited 13 permanent third secretaries since January. The next generation of appointments will ensure we fill the critical gaps here in Dublin and abroad.