Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 255: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made to date with the Department of Finance in lifting the moratorium on Teagasc hiring extra staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20534/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The moratorium on recruitment in the public service remains in place in line with commitments made in the National Recovery Plan and the Programme for Government to reduce public service numbers by 2015. Any exceptions to the moratorium can only be considered in very limited circumstances in respect of mission critical posts and in full compliance with annual ceilings on staff numbers. In that regard, I have had discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the impact of the moratorium on the delivery of the Teagasc education programme. Following consultations, I have agreed to prioritise six new contract teaching posts in the Agricultural Colleges for a three year period as an exception to the moratorium.