Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding his policy on committing civil servants to front-line services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27295/11]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The organisation in question was established to provide a specific service to civil and public servants. In respect of the first officer referred to, in 2001 the organisation had need of a person with specific expertise to fill a vacant position. A member of staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs had the requisite skills and experience and it was agreed that the staff member would be seconded to the organisation with effect from October 2001. The cost of the salary is recouped from the organisation and there is no net cost to the Exchequer associated with this secondment.

In respect of the second officer referred to, the officer in question went on secondment from 23/09/96. The cost of the officer's salary was recouped from the organisation on a quarterly basis and there was no net cost to the Exchequer. He went on special leave without pay from 08/10/01 and he returned to the Department of Social Protection on 16/02/09. The release of these staff to work for the organisation concerned was managed without any impact on the service delivery of their Departments.

A moratorium on recruitment and promotion has been in place since in March 2009 and it is Government policy to reduce overall civil service numbers in order to consolidate the public finances. This is being done in a manner which prioritises on protecting front-line services.