Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

In regard to education, the Minister for Education and Skills has announced that where teachers retiring between the end of last year and the end of February 2012 are teaching examination classes, either at junior or leaving certificate level, they may continue on the payroll up to the conclusion of the examinations. It is important that we put people's minds at ease in that regard.

In the case of front line services in the health sector, the Department of Health has its own team examining this issue. We want to utilise the Croke Park agreement to the fullest in terms of redeployment, moving people from areas where there is no pressure to areas where they are needed. That is the first port of call. We will ensure there is flexibility that will allow front line services to be preserved.

In regard to the two points raised by Deputy McDonald, we have already down-sized the public service by the order of 26,000 since 2008.

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