Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of retirements from Teagasc as of the end of February 2012 under the changed pension arrangements broken down by position and role; the total staff working in Teagasc in 2009, 2010, 2011; the estimated total staff remaining after February 2012 broken down by section, position and role; his plans to replace these personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8879/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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At the outset I would point out that this is an operational matter for the Teagasc Authority and the Deputy may wish to contact Teagasc directly for a more detailed reply.

I am advised by Teagasc that 127 staff have already retired under the revised pension arrangements and a further 57 are expected to retire by the end February deadline. The total staff working in Teagasc on 1st January for each respective year is as follows:

Teagasc, in common with all other public bodies, has had to play its part in the planned reduction in public service numbers and pay costs set down by the previous Government in 2010 under the National Recovery Plan.

The question of replacing retired staff in Teagasc must have regard to Government policy on public service numbers and the need to achieve savings in the public service pay bill through planned reductions in staff numbers. Therefore, when vacancies arise, public service organisations must reallocate or reorganise work or staff accordingly. Any exceptions to this principle can only be considered in limited circumstances in respect of mission critical posts and in full compliance with annual ceilings on staff numbers.