Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of public sector workers who have retired in the last three years within his Department or any Office/Body under his aegis that have been re-instated; if he will provide details on the pay rates they are receiving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10991/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I can confirm that two former members of staff, who have retired from within my Department, were reinstated for a very short period following their retirement for specific projects, which required their previous expertise and experience. One has not yet sought payment for his brief employment on a translation project. The other was employed in 2012 as a petroleum affairs expert at a cost of €1,600.

In addition and on a very limited basis, retired former staff, from other parts of the public service, are re-engaged from time to time by my Department in areas where specific expertise is required for a short fixed period, and these staff 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 payments as appropriate.

I have asked the Agencies under the aegis of my Department to supply the requested information, where relevant, in respect of those Agencies, directly to the Deputy.