Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As I have previously stated, there is no embargo on recruitment to the public service.  To safeguard front line and priority services, the Government has allowed for critical posts to be filled throughout the period of consolidation of our public finances, as the Deputy well knows. In addition to this ongoing recruitment, special provision was made in last October's budget for the recruitment of, for example, more than 900 extra resource teachers for the school system and 150 new social care workers for Tusla, the new Child and Family Agency.  The Government recognises areas of most need and it is responding to them where it can.     

There are restrictions and limits on recruitment and promotion in the public service and these need to be understood on two fronts. First, the Government has a responsibility to control the cost of public services, given the incredibly difficult fiscal targets under which it is labouring. Second, the Government is committed to public service reform and is focused on driving efficiency and improving how public services are delivered.

Ongoing and meaningful reform is critical. Together with the Haddington Road agreement, the second public service reform plan which I launched in January provides the template for a better platform for public service delivery. The Government blueprint for reform demands that public service managers critically examine current business practices and processes with the goal of improving services and the service experience for citizens and get better value for taxpayers. Shared services, external service delivery, better use of technology and procurement reform are the building blocks that form part of every administration across the world for better, citizen-focused services.

In looking at these options, public service managers are required to engage with and consult employees and their representatives. Where public service bodies are considering external service delivery, for example, they must evaluate each function under consideration on a case-by-case basis. If a business case has not been made and there is not clear and compelling for external service delivery, then it will not happen. The Deputy is fully aware that we need to reduce the cost of public service delivery but maintain as best we can an efficient, appropriate service for the 21st century.

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