Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 434: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the details of any organisation under her Department which has informed her of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and her views regarding same. [28365/11]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 435: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline the organisations under her Department for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28381/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 434 and 435 together.

These agencies are subject to Employment Control Frameworks which provide for progressive and permanent reductions in the numbers employed across the public service. While theses agencies, and indeed my own Department, are faced with reducing resources, we all must re-organise and re-prioritise in order to deliver on our strategic business. While acknowledging the challenges involved in providing services in the current economic climate each of these agencies have assured me that they are committed to fulfilling their obligations in accordance with Government policy.

I understand that officials in my Department are currently considering staffing resource submissions from the National Educational Welfare Board and the Adoption Authority of Ireland in August and September respectively. I understand that these issues are under consideration at present and have been signalled to officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and will be formally submitted to them for consideration in the coming weeks.