Written answers
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Department of An Taoiseach
Parliamentary Counsel Staffing
Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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127. To ask the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form the number of vacancies for parliamentary counsel at any grade which were sanctioned but remained unfilled at the end of 2011, 2012, 2013, and which were sanctioned but remain unfilled as of 18 September 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36711/14]
Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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128. To ask the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form, the number of parliamentary counsel who were engaged by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in the years 2011, 2012, 2013, and are currently engaged as of 18 September 2014; if he will provide the fees which were paid in respect of each year mentioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36712/14]
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
The figures requested by the Deputy are set out in the tables.
Permanent Parliamentary Counsel (Employees)
| Year | Sanctioned Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| As at 18 September 2014 | 4 |
Consultant Drafters (On contract)
| Year | WTE Engaged | Actual number of contractors engaged over the year | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2.5 | 4 | €342,529.85 |
| 2012 | 1.5 | 3 | €271,538.25 |
| 2013 | 1.5 | 2 | €156,740.46 |
| As at 18 September 2014 | 0.5 | 2 | €131,105.33 |
Different contract drafters work different numbers of days during a given year. All of the contract drafters are paid the same daily rate. The 2014 figure includes fees paid to a second contract drafter who ceased to work for the Office in August 2014. As of 18 September 2014 there is one contract drafter working on a half-time basis for the Office.
The Office of the Attorney General of which the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government is a constituent part, constantly keeps its staffing levels under review to ensure that there are sufficient resources available to carry out the essential functions of the Office. As necessary, it seeks the sanction of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and undertakes recruitment competitions to maintain appropriate staffing levels. A competition took place this year and one candidate took up duty on 29 September. It is expected that all vacancies will be filled before the end of the year. It should be noted that the figure of 3 vacancies at the end of 2012 and 2013 and the figure of 4 vacancies earlier this month are not the same vacancies. Throughout that period there have been two retirements and an increase of six in the sanctioned staffing figures.
The requests for an increase in sanctioned numbers was based on the increase in the volume, urgency and complexity of drafting work being sought from the Office.
In order to maintain its capacity to meet demands for urgent legislation the Office supplements its permanent staff with skilled drafters who are engaged on a contract basis. As permanent staff numbers have risen and their skills developed, the reliance on contract staff has been reduced. These engagements are temporary and can be terminated as the level of work coming into the Office reduces.
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