Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 to 10, inclusive, together.

With the exception of politically appointed staff such as special advisers, all staff assignments, appointments and recruitment in my Department are the responsibility of the Secretary General and senior management of the Department. My Department uses workforce planning and succession planning to ensure there are sufficient staffing resources in place to deliver the Department's strategic goals. The number of vacancies in my Department fluctuates on an ongoing basis due to staff retirements, promotions and staff availing of mobility opportunities and career breaks. Where possible, my Department's human resources unit plans in advance for such vacancies and replacement staff are recruited.

My Department is a strong supporter of staff mobility initiatives across the civil and public service. Mobility opportunities are circulated to all staff in my Department as a matter of course and my Department also recruits staff using mobility initiatives, for example, senior public service, secondments, etc. In recent months, my Department has seconded staff at assistant secretary, principal officer and higher executive officer level to work in the communications unit; the international, European Union and Northern Ireland division; and the Government Press Office.

A small number of vacant positions in my Department are in the process of being filled. These include vacancies for assistants and two vacancies at clerical officer grade. These vacancies are in the process of being filled through the Public Appointments Service's existing panels. The position of head of information and communications technology is due to become vacant shortly. The Public Appointments Service recently advertised for this position and the recruitment process is still under way.

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