Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on whether the current staffing level in his Department is adequate to fulfil its strategic objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24723/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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During 2012 and 2013, this Department will actively engage in a threefold action plan to meet its strategic objectives:

· This will firstly involve training our existing teams so that they can develop greater technical, management and leadership skills necessary to the challenge. Using the performance management evaluation system, we will review our staff and identify any skills which need enhancing so as to use the training resources most effectively. · We will challenge and acknowledge the efforts of our key performing staff by further developing their skills and add to the value they contribute to the Department. · In parallel, we will be adding to our teams to supplement our skills base where gaps are identified. This will also be necessary for succession planning for the work of future generations of our department.

The addition of any new staff will occur through a combination of employment via open competition and the secondment of staff from other areas of the Civil/Public Service and private sector.