Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On staff levels, we are keeping everything under review. Given that we have hit the 2015 target in the local government sector, we will examine ways to supplement staff numbers in some areas, such as outdoor services, particularly in rural areas. We are examining ways by which we might be able to achieve this. I cannot make an announcement on it at this stage, but we are working on proposals to supplement existing local government staff in certain areas. However, it is a difficult time financially for local government and the country; therefore, anything we do to enhance staff numbers in local government will have to take this into account.

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