Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for providing that information. The total number of staff, between the Department and the agencies, is 56. The Minister has stated he is only accountable for his own line Department when replying to parliamentary questions. However, we regard him as the Minister with responsibility for the public service.

I have a question about the new draft public service agreement. Extra working hours are being required from staff.

Is the Minister in a position to illustrate whether these extra hours worked will ameliorate the need to hire contract or agency staff? If existing staff work additional hours, by definition, there should not be as much work to be done by outsiders. Is the Minister in a position to provide figures in this regard?

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