Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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Question 363: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of requests received from Donegal County Council to lift the employment embargo on posts in the public sector; the number that are or will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20681/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Information regarding requests from Donegal County Council for exceptions to the employment moratorium is outlined in the table below.

In respect of posts approved in 2010, 10 of the 20 permanent posts approved related to firefighter positions while 41 of 71.5 contract posts approved related to beach lifeguard posts for the summer season with the same number of beach lifeguard posts approved in 2011. All of the refusals relate to requests for acting- up arrangements.

The embargo on the filling of posts in local authorities was introduced on 24 March 2009 on foot of the Government decision to implement savings measures across the entire Public Service. My Department, since August 2009, has delegated sanction from the Department of Finance for implementation of the moratorium in respect of local authorities. This is on condition that the overall staffing levels in the sector are reduced significantly by the end of 2013.

In relation to the operation of the moratorium, where vacancies arise, local authorities must initially consider all options for reorganisation and reallocation of work to meet requirements. Any exceptions to the moratorium require sanction from my Department. All staffing sanction requests are examined on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services and the need to further reduce overall staffing levels in the local authority sector. My Department works closely with local authorities to ensure that key posts are filled. In this regard, the majority of the sanctions granted are for the filling of posts in front-line service areas such as water services, roads maintenance, housing, community and enterprise, fire and emergency services and in relation to capital projects.

In view of the financial position facing local authorities, and the country as a whole, a continued focus must be maintained on achieving the greatest possible savings. In this context, my Department and local authorities will continue to make every effort to ensure that further efficiencies and savings are attained by the sector while an appropriate level of service to the public is maintained.