Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total reduction in the number of the civil and public service since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17235/13]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Historical data on public service staff numbers is available on my Department’s website () from 1994 to Quarter 4 2012.

Between end-Quarter 1 2011 and end-Quarter 4 2012, public service numbers fell by 13,041 (or 4.3%), from 303,903 to 290,861. Data on serving numbers for Quarter 1 2013 is currently being collated.

The Government is committed to reducing public service numbers as part of its reform programme aimed at delivering a more customer focused, leaner, more efficient and better integrated public service. The Government’s policy is largely achieved through the non-replacement of retiring staff, although the moratorium arrangements allow for exceptions, particularly in the education and health sectors, and for some other priority posts.