Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)

This embargo has devastated local authority staff. It was commenced by the Fianna Fáil and Green Party Government and has been continued by the Fine Gael and Labour Party Government. More than 6,500 staff have effectively been removed from the local authorities. There are now no replacements for retirements and resignations, and temporary staff have long since gone. There are also no replacements for staff on maternity leave, sick leave or annual leave. Local authority staff are trying to cope with a massive work overload but, despite their best efforts in working above and beyond the call of duty, the service to the public is being affected and is being significantly reduced. The pressure on the staff is having a detrimental effect on their health. The recent suggestion by the Tánaiste that the remaining staff should take up the slack shows that he is completely out of touch with the local authority scene. There is no slack and the staff are working above and beyond the call of duty. In circumstances where services are being reduced and staff are under huge pressure, does the Minister not agree it is time to lift the moratorium and begin filling posts in local authorities?

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