Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In respect of public service numbers, there is currently a ban on recruitment in place and this is having an impact. To what level will public service numbers be reduced in 2010? Does the Taoiseach believe there is a role to be played by a voluntary redundancy scheme? The HSE commented on this matter earlier in the year and my party put forward the view that up to 15,000 voluntary redundancies could be accommodated. I am sure many Deputies have been in contact with people who have indicated to them that they would like to leave the public service now but that they cannot obtain sanction in respect of redundancy. A flood of experienced people - gardaí, nurses and others - are leaving the public service at present.

Does the Taoiseach have any information with regard to the status of the HSE's announcement some months ago in respect of voluntary redundancies? People are extremely concerned - they have probably contacted the Taoiseach in this regard - about the possibility of their gratuities being taxed, which is adding to their concerns in respect of leaving the public service early.

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