Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In general, I am far happier to have permanent appointments where there is a permanent job to be filled. That is what we are going to migrate to. We certainly had difficulties in filling positions that were needed during the time there were restrictions on recruitment. Some staff were recruited on a short-term basis. I have a difficulty. I want permanent staff in PeoplePoint, but I must allow others to apply for jobs. I cannot simply say those who have been there on a temporary basis will automatically be given all of the positions. That would not be fair to others who want to apply for them. As far as is practicable, staff can apply and will be facilitated. They will have an advantage in their applications because they already have the skills required. I am aware that there are people who have applied and have not met the recruitment criteria for the jobs being created within PeoplePoint on a permanent basis. I encourage people to keep going in order that everybody will have an equal opportunity to secure jobs, as opposed to me saying this discrete section will have precedence over all others.

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