Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 427: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a review of the recruitment moratorium pertaining to Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority will be undertaken in order to ensure the Authority can continue to build upon its research and innovation which is central to Ireland capitalising on the opportunities presented by our most successful indigenous industry. [24340/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Teagasc operate as a separate non commercial semi state body under the aegis of the Department. It is a matter for Teagasc to prioritise activities in the delivery of its programmes and services and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities.

In common with other public bodies, Teagasc, has had to contribute to planned staff reductions in line with Government policy to create a smaller, more efficient and integrated public service. This requires Teagasc to assess and plan for current and ongoing staffing requirements within existing resources. Any exceptions to this principle can only be considered in very limited circumstances in respect of mission critical posts and in full compliance with annual ceilings on staff numbers. Teagasc has been granted a number of exemptions under the moratorium including sanction to recruit 6 research scientists and over 80 funded contract staff to work on various research programmes.