Seanad debates

Wednesday, 5 May 2010

2:30 pm

Photo of Michael FinneranMichael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to have an opportunity to respond to the Senator on this very important issue affecting the Rush area. Under the terms of the Government's decision on the implementation of savings in respect of public service numbers, no public service posts, however they arise, may be filled by recruitment, promotion or the payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. This decision has been effective from 31 March 2009 and stands until the end of this year, at which stage the position will be reviewed. My Department has written to all local authorities requesting compliance.

In recognition of the priority attaching to the maintenance of key frontline services, the Department has received delegated sanction from the Department of Finance for implementation of the general moratorium on the filling of public sector posts in the local authority sector on condition that overall staffing levels in the local authority sector are to be reduced significantly by the end of this year in adherence with the Government's policy on staffing and numbers in the public sector. Under the new arrangements which issued to the sector on 20 August 2009, local authorities are expected, where vacancies arise, to consider options for reorganisation and reallocation of work to meet requirements. Any exceptions to this principle which will arise in very limited circumstances require sanction from my Department.

The local authority sector is working on an ongoing basis to balance the need for a reduced staffing level and the provision of services to the levels expected. In this context, local authorities have refocused programmes and staffing to priority areas. They have been active in seeking to support enterprise and protect employment locally and have redeployed staff accordingly. They have continued to provide and maintain a wide range of services, notwithstanding the Government's necessary policy on the reduction of staffing numbers within the public sector. Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each county and city manager is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out of functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible, including the employment of library staff, in compliance with the relevant public sector recruitment and employment law requirements.

My Department has received no staffing request applications for Rush library. We have been advised by Fingal County Council that any posts arising in this library will be filled by redeployment. I understand the ongoing industrial action within the public sector is contributing to the delay in redeploying staff to enable the opening of the library.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.