Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I would be happy to give a detailed briefing to the Deputy in that regard. We will have to move on in a few minutes, so I probably will not be able to give the Deputy a comprehensive answer. However, I will give the specifics. The announcement I made with regard to public sector numbers was that by 2015 numbers would have reduced to 282,500. The outturn figure for the end of last year was 296,872, and this year's figure under the employment control framework is 294,401. That is, in ballpark figures, where we started, where we are going and where we are now. It is conservative to suggest an outflow figure of 8,500 for this year; that is the figure I have been given. The current estimated figure for the first two months, which might change by one or two, is 8,168, so we will exceed the figure of 8,500. However, it is my intention, as I have indicated, to allow some staff back in key pressure areas. As the Deputy has seen, for example, the Army is currently recruiting in an attempt to get back to its complement of 9,500, and there are other sectors under pressure in which we need to bring specific skills back. Most teachers, because of the pupil-teacher ratio, are being replaced.

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