Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Will the systems of performance measurement in operation in the Taoiseach's Department change in advance of the next round of benchmarking? Is the Taoiseach planning any initiatives to award top performers in his Department? Are his special advisers covered by benchmarking in the same way as other staff in the Department? There is a particular issue regarding contract workers and benchmarking. There is often short notice — one could almost say no notice — given on the expiry or renewal of contracts. Given that many of the people involved are parents and have other responsibilities, is it possible to determine whether benchmarking can cover contract workers in the Department of the Taoiseach? Can better notice be given regarding the expiry of contracts?

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