Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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443. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of temporary clerical officers that have been employed by her Department over each of the past three years; the number of those who have been retired public/civil servants; her views on whether her Department should employ retired staff in these positions in view of the level of youth unemployment here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31579/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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As an exception to the current moratorium on recruitment, my department has limited sanction to recruit temporary clerical officers to cover critical staff absences and to assist with the roll-out of the Public Services Card. Currently two of these temporary staff are retired civil servants. They are on an annual pay scale of €22,016 - €35,515. Abatement of pension applies, if applicable, pending the termination of their temporary contracts.

The recruitment and selection process for temporary clerical officers is carried out by the Public Appointments Service following a competitive process and is open to those aged over 16 years of age. There is no upper age limit. The attached table outlines the number of temporary clerical officers that have been recruited by the Department of Social Protection over each of the past three years.