Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 161: To ask the Minister for Finance if he has issued guidelines to Departments regarding the exceptions which may be permitted to the recruitment ban; if he has established a procedure for clearing applications in respect of exceptions to this rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18918/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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On the 27 March 2009, a letter issued from my Department to all Departments and Offices informing them that, on foot of a Government decision in this regard, no public service post, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion or payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade and any limited exceptions to this principle would require my prior sanction; and that all existing delegated sanctions in relation to staff numbers, grading, promotions, recruitment and related issues were accordingly withdrawn. Vacancies may be filled by redeployment of staff from other Departments or public bodies with my sanction. In relation to the Health and Education sectors the arrangements have been modulated to reflect the particular service needs in these areas.

Heads of Departments and Offices have been advised that any exceptions to these arrangements would arise only in very limited circumstances and my specific prior sanction would be required on submission of a formal application in each case. Requests for exemptions would have to demonstrate clearly that the post is essential to the delivery of a public service or performance of an essential function and that alternative arrangements, such as the reallocation of work, are not feasible in the circumstances.