Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

My Department does not have another target. However, it will take any opportunity to increase the amount. The figure of 3% has been in place for some considerable time. As the number of staff in Departments increases, it is more difficult to achieve that 3%. Departments always try to maintain that figure, and increase it where necessary. People move between Departments through promotions and transfers. The first priority is to remain above the target figure. The Department does not believe it should stop because it has more than 3% and it always attempts to improve on it. Some sections within the Department have more than 4%.

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