Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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1018. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the process a school needs to undertake to appoint a lollipop person to ensure the safety of the children crossing the road at a school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37826/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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My Department operates a delegated sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to maintain staffing levels within the local government sector. Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible. In this regard, it is a matter for each Chief Executive to apply to the Department for approval to fill vacancies within their authority, including in relation to school wardens.

My Department examines all staffing sanction requests on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services in the context of staffing and budgetary constraints. In considering sanction requests public safety, maintaining key front line services, and economic issues are given precedence.