Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 460: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his response to a request from a local authority seeking an easing of restrictions which are preventing the introduction of work placement and training programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20567/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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With effect from 24 March 2009 until the end of 2010, no public service post, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, nor payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. This general moratorium also applies to temporary appointments on a fixed-term basis and to the renewal of such contracts.

My Department received a delegated sanction from the Department of Finance in August 2009 for implementation of this general moratorium on the filling of public sector posts across all local authorities. This is on condition that the overall staffing levels in the sector are reduced significantly by the end of 2010 in adherence with the Government's Policy on Staffing and Numbers in the Public Sector.

Local Authorities are expected, where vacancies arise, to consider options for reorganisation and reallocation of work to meet requirements. Staffing sanctions are granted by my Department in exceptional circumstances including where posts are of a statutory nature or for posts associated with front line service delivery.

In this context, in dealing with overall management of organisation and personnel, local authorities are expected to give priority to assuring compliance with statutory obligations and the delivery of front line services.

Requests for staffing sanction of specific posts for work placement and training programmes operated by the Minister for Social Protection, received from South Dublin County Council and other local authorities, will be assessed on an individual basis by my Department.