Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 494: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of retired public servants who have been re-hired in his Department during the period of April 2011 to April 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25239/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Retired public servants are engaged from time to time by my Department in areas where specific expertise is required for a short fixed period and where relevant former officials provide a level of knowledge, experience and background compatible with such requirements. The abatement principle, which ensures that the fee paid plus pension does not exceed the rate of pay the pensioner would receive if he/she had continued service in their former post, applies to all such payments made. The tasks carried out include time-bound tasks or projects such as membership of expert groups, occasional service on interview boards, value for money reviews and process audits. During 2011, five retired public servants were re-engaged on this basis at a total cost of €16,375. No former staff of the Department, who retired before the end of the grace period this year, have been re-employed subsequently.