Written answers

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Local Authority Staff

9:00 pm

Photo of Joan CollinsJoan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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Question 526: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it has been brought to his attention that the superintendent or caretaker of Sligo City Hall, retired in January 2012; if Sligo Borough Council sought a derogation from the moratorium to recruit a replacement superintendent or caretaker for the city hall; the decision, if any, that was taken on this request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20480/12]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service was introduced in March 2009 in response to the financial crisis. My Department operates a delegated sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for implementation of the moratorium in relation to local authorities, and any exceptions to the moratorium in local authorities require sanction from my Department.

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each City and County Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. In this regard, it is a matter for City and County Managers, in the first instance, to ensure that the moratorium is implemented while the appropriate service levels are maintained.

My Department examines all staffing sanction requests on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services in the context of staffing and budgetary constraints. In considering sanction requests public safety, maintaining key front line services, and economic issues are given precedence.

My Department is working with Sligo County Council in relation to the Council's overall staffing requirements and I understand that the post mentioned is being considered as part of that process.

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