Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Is the Minister aware that a commitment was given that the employment control framework would be agreed and presented to the Department of Finance by the end of April?

A commitment was given that the employment control framework would be agreed and presented to the Department of Finance by the end of April. It is now a month since that date and this has not happened. My understanding is that it has been sat upon or, some would say, is now suppressed or bogged down in the Department of Defence. Will the Minister take a hands on approach here? It is critical that the employment control framework gets to the Department of Finance as soon as possible.

I remind the Minister that the Defence Forces, perhaps more than any other Department, have complied with everything asked of them. They responded to all requests concerning reduction in numbers, from 15,000 not so long ago to 10,000 now. They have been held up as a flagship for other civil servants and Departments and are now being treated very unfairly because of non-movement due to the employment control framework.

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