Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 295 and 296 of 13 October 2009, his views on that fact that some agencies within the remit of his Department are incurring overtime expenses which are far in excess of those incurred by his Department; his plans to reduce such costs in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48155/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I assume that the agencies which the Deputy has in mind are Waterways Ireland and the North South Language Body.

In Waterways Ireland's case, the busiest times on the waterways are at weekends and during the longer days of the summer, when overtime is required to provide a proper customer service. During these periods (and indeed during the navigation season as a whole), staff are required to keep the locks manned and the system open. Overtime is also incurred during the seasonal maintenance programme (e.g. weed cutting), which is weather dependent. In times of emergencies and at times of adverse weather conditions, staff are also required to work beyond their normal working hours in order to protect the infrastructure and minimise the risk to the public. I am assured by Waterways Ireland that it seeks constantly to manage overtime effectively within the constraints of managing an organisation which supports the leisure and tourism industry, with consequent seasonal focus. I might also add that the Body will be required to implement further efficiency savings next year, in addition to those achieved in relation to 2009.

In relation to the Language Body, overtime costs for Foras na Gaeilge reduced from €40,691 in 2008 to €22,252 in 2009 as a result of the implementation of efficiency savings. I understand that the overtime costs in question relate principally to reception and security at headquarters when the premises are open to the public after normal office hours, business peaks in the Irish language book distribution section and promotional activities outside of office hours.

I understand that overtime costs for the Ulster-Scots Agency were significantly reduced from stg£16,884 in 2008 to stg£4,672 in 2009 following the employment of additional staff. Overtime costs for 2009 relate specifically to peaks in workflow and specific marketing activity, which required additional work at weekends. The Agency's policy is that overtime must be approved in advance on the basis of a clearly identified need. I am informed by both agencies of the Language Body that overtime is authorised only when absolutely necessary and that strict monitoring of authorisations will continue in 2010, particularly in the light of further agreed efficiency savings to be achieved in the Body next year.