Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 75: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the recently released Census 2006 Preliminary Report, a review of staffing levels within local authorities has taken place; if not, when such a review will take place; when staffing levels in local authorities were last reviewed; if local authority areas that have experienced significant population increases will be provided with additional resources by his Department to take on extra staff to serve their increased populations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36443/06]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 344: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the increases in population in local authority areas as shown in the 2006 preliminary census figures, he has held consultations with the Department of Finance with a view to getting the public service embargo on local authority staff recruitment lifted, with particular reference to counties in the greater Dublin area, where expanding populations are demanding improved services which can only be delivered upon by the employment of additional staff. [36873/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 344 together.

Government policy on the control and regulation of numbers in the public sector, including local authorities, was announced in the Minister for Finance's Budget statement of 7 December 2005. I am continuing to keep the overall employment position in the sector under regular review, having regard to the need to deliver quality front line services and achieve value for money within the parameters of Government policy on public service employment generally. As regards a review of staffing levels in any local authority, it is a matter for the City or County Manager concerned to make such staffing and organisational arrangements as may be necessary for the purposes of carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible.