Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

On the specific institution referred to by the Deputy I would say it is a matter for the board and management of the HSE to set staffing and services priorities in accordance with Government policy. It is part of the day-to-day function of the boards and management of all public bodies to assess, budget and plan for current and ongoing staffing requirements within existing resources. Any inquiries relating to the day-to-day operations of St. Colman's hospital should be directed to that body or to my colleague, the Minister for Health. On the more general issues raised, the position is that Ireland is committed to reducing the overall size of the public service, as I indicated to Deputy Fleming.

I do not agree with the Deputy's assertion that the moratorium is unfair to any particular group or sector of workers. All public service bodies are equal opportunity employers and are committed to treating everyone in the same way regardless of race or colour, nationality or national or ethnic origin, religion or religious belief, sex or marital status, family status, sexual orientation, membership of the Traveller community, disability or age. The public service has a very good record in this regard.

Moreover, the reason for any vacancy is not a factor in decisions relating to the moratorium. It should be noted by the Deputy that a number of exceptions have been granted by my Department to cover maternity leave where the posts in question met the agreed exemption protocols in order to protect crucial services. Delivering this reduction will require continued implementation of the moratorium on recruitment with exceptions being limited only to those essential posts and the utilisation of redeployment not being available. I have indicated in a previous reply where flexibility exists in the moratorium. However, in general terms, we need to reduce the numbers to a manageable profile so that pay reduction targets can be met.

Additional informationnot given on the floor of the House.

In order to protect front line services, the Government is committed to making fundamental changes to the way the public service operates. In order to protect crucial services, exceptions to the moratorium may be granted on the following basis: where statutory posts which have to be filled for legal reasons; where failure to fill posts would result in a breach of EU-international regulations and impact upon exports etc.; safety related posts - where failure to fill them could leave the State open to potential legal liabilities or for security reasons; specialist-technical posts to ensure continuity of operations, for example, in the case of legal officers, laboratory staff and maritime safety; and to ensure continuity of front-line services.

In the case of the health sector, a number of grades are exempted from the moratorium in order to ensure that these vital services are maintained. It is part of the day-to-day function of the boards and management of all public bodies to assess, budget and plan for current and ongoing staffing requirements with in existing resources. All Departments and agencies have to deliver better value to the public in order to reduce the deficit and protect front line services.

Over the past years, enhanced systems for monitoring numbers and multi-annual employment frameworks have been put in place. These arrangements will be strengthened to ensure that effect is given to Government decisions on public service numbers and will aid public bodies in planning future staffing levels. However, it remains a matter for local agency and parent Department management to decide on operational priorities within the framework of Government policy and resources allocated.

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