Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 31 together.

My Department will achieve the 3% reduction in payroll costs by adopting a rigorous programme of efficiencies and through the prudent management of its resources. Specifically, a range of measures is being put in place to ensure that the required payroll reduction is achieved, including not filling vacancies arising from natural wastage and anticipated retirements and reductions in overtime.

My Department has 387 whole-time equivalent staff, including four permanent civil servants in my private office and six permanent civil servants in my constituency office. Since the announcement in July, nine posts in my Department remain unfilled, representing more than 2% of posts. Other vacancies that may arise between now and the end of 2009 will be managed on a case-by-case basis in order to stay within budget. In addition to these measures, my Department will continue to seek out savings while maintaining its existing level of service.

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