Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 286: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the performance management systems implemented in his Department as specified in the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47970/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department is currently engaged in an extensive multi-year programme of modernisation, involving fundamental redesign of its business processes and the supporting ICT infrastructure. This has already led to efficiencies and service improvements and also entails the enhancement of measures to further embed the implementation of a performance culture based on achieving outcomes. The Performance Management and Development System is an important element of this process.

The Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 contains a commitment "to introduce significantly improved performance management across all Public Service areas, and following the current review, the Performance Management and Development System will be strengthened with promotion and incremental progression linked in all cases to performance and the implementation of appropriate systems to address under-performance, including, where appropriate, training or, where necessary, through disciplinary procedures".

In the civil service work is well underway towards achieving this goal. The 2010 Evaluation of PMDS has been completed. Negotiations with the Unions have commenced in relation to how PMDS can be strengthened. Performance management in the civil service is already linked to promotion and to incremental progression and the systems in place to address underperformance are now being assessed.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 287: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff working within his Department who are employed on a short-term, temporary or consultative basis in the years 2009 and 2010; the costs of payment to such staff in each of those years; the number of any such staff who have been previously employed in the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47984/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Temporary staff are recruited by this Department to cover absences of permanent staff on maternity leave, long term sick leave, other statutory leave and also to provide cover for some staff availing of the shorter working year scheme. They are also recruited to alleviate work pressure in certain areas.

Temporary contracts are offered for a fixed purpose and the term can vary according to the purpose of the contract.

In 2009, a total of 582 temporary staff were employed by the Department of Social Protection. Of this figure 246 people were previously employed in the public service, in either a temporary or a permanent capacity. The gross cost to the Department was €5,745,388.

In 2010 to date, a total of 579 temporary staff were employed by the Department of Social Protection. Of this figure 266 people were previously employed in the public service, in either a temporary or a permanent capacity. The gross cost to the Department was €5,912,966.

The cost of the recruitment of temporary staff can be offset by the fact that permanent staff on certain statutory leave and those availing of the shorter working year scheme are on unpaid leave.