Written answers

Thursday, 16 February 2012

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Departmental Staff

4:00 pm

Photo of Sandra McLellanSandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 37: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff leaving his Department and the agencies operating under its aegis as part of the early retirement scheme in the period 1 September 2011 to 29 February 2012; the effect this will have on the delivery of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8601/12]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Staff retiring before 29th February 2012 are not doing so under an early retirement scheme. They are retiring under normal retirement terms and conditions within the 'Grace Period' in other words the period of time during which the calculation of public service pensions is unaffected by the pay reductions applied under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009.

In the period 1 September 2011 to date 15 staff have retired from my Department. A further 21 have applied to retire between now and 29th February 2012. While It must be acknowledged that the retirement of so many staff presents a challenge to the ability of the organisation to deliver the same level of service, every effort will be made to do so by using the flexibilities provided by the Public Service Agreement, increasing the use of ICT solutions and prioritising the business demands to ensure Government's commitments are met.

I have asked the State agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the Deputy with the information requested. If you do not receive a reply within ten working days, please contact my private office.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.