Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 547: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of public servants that received a pension and lump sum on retirement that are again working in the public service and semi State bodies under his aegis; the number of these persons that are on a permanent contract, short-term contract, or working in a temporary capacity; the cost of same to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21178/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Local authorities have reduced staff numbers by 8,431 (22%) whole time equivalents while State agencies under the aegis of my Department have reduced staff numbers by 168 (18%) since 2008.

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. Any exceptions to the moratorium for State agencies require prior approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

I understand that there were two requests to my Department for derogations in relation to very short term arrangements for two local authority personnel, who retired before the end of the grace period this year, to be engaged post retirement for one month and three months respectively to carry out specific duties. Both requests were initially refused. However, the request for a one month arrangement in relation to an Officer at Grade 6 was subsequently approved.

My Department is not aware of any re-employment of staff, who retired before the end of the grace period this year, in respect of State agencies under the aegis of my Department.