Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The moratorium will not be lifted in the foreseeable future. It is clear that local authorities could not maintain key services with a blanket embargo on recruitment and for that reason they have the option of making representations and requests to the Department. These are examined on a case by case basis, particularly in the context of maintaining full front-line services. If the Deputy or others can outline some key requirements regarding the filling of posts, they will be examined by the Department, regardless of previous sanctions. It would not be possible to maintain front-line services with the blanket embargo mentioned by the Deputy but the moratorium will remain in place and the filling of key posts in local authorities will require the sanction of the Department.

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