Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. The programme for Government states that this Government will undertake a programme of workforce planning to identify the optimal staffing model within the public sector to meet the needs of our changing demographics. In considering the approach to this, I will have regard to the responsibilities of other Ministers in relation to relevant issues such as recruitment in their respective sectors and taking account of the existing policy context.

Regarding overall public service staffing, the estimate for public service staff numbers for the end of 2025 is just below 428,000 in full-time equivalent terms. This is the highest ever level of employment in the public service and will represent an increase of almost 22,500 full-time equivalents on the latest reported figures of 405,000 for September 2024.

Public service staffing levels are largely managed through a policy of delegated sanction. This was introduced in 2015 to provide offices and Departments with flexibility to manage identified business needs subject to remaining within overall pay ceilings, which are agreed as part of the budget and Estimates process.

Delegated sanction allows Departments to fill vacancies through recruitment, promotion or both, in specified, designated grades up to and including principal officer standard. Delegated sanction is subject to the overall pay bill ceiling as set out in the Revised Estimates Volume. Projected staffing numbers and composition should fall within the parameters of the Department’s pay bill.

With regard to the public service workforce, I highlight a number of policy developments designed to ensure our public services are well positioned and equipped to meet the current and future needs of our citizens. We launched the Better Public Service 2030 transformation strategy, which sets out our vision for a public sector workforce of the future that is skilled, motivated and reflective of the people we serve. This strategy provides a framework for all public service bodies to identify and implement transformation priorities under the workforce and organisation of the future pillar. Public service bodies are working under this framework to ensure a public service that is more diverse, agile and inclusive and reflects Irish society to better serve the Government and the public, ensure that its staff are skilled for the future and to ensure it is an employer of choice by attracting, retaining, upskilling and developing its staff.

I have other items I might go into later.

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