Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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69. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of applicants awaiting transfer in her Department to locations other that their present location; the number of applications, by location; the rules that apply for such transfers; if an applicant has a defined position on the list for transfer; the grounds that apply to applicants being moved up or down on the list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38762/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In accordance with formal protocols agreed between the Civil, Public and Services Union (CPSU) and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the names of Clerical Officers and Staff Officers applying for a transfer to an alternative location are entered on the relevant transfer list. The lists include locations that were part of the former Decentralisation Programmes for which Central Applications Facility (CAF) lists apply. All applications are recorded strictly in order of date of application and the Department has no discretion to deviate from the order of the transfer lists. It is open to staff in any Department to apply to be included on the Department’s Clerical Officer and Staff Officer transfer lists.

The Department also maintains lists of Executive Officer and Higher Executive Officer grades who have expressed an interest in transferring to another location. However, with the exception of CAF locations, these lists are informal and the assignment of staff is a matter for management.

Where a position is to be filled by way of transfer, the relevant list is considered in order of date of application. A number of factors are considered e.g. is the person suitable in terms of sick leave, attendance and performance, are they tied to their current location for a defined period of time, are they willing to resume full-time duty if necessary.

A person may move up a list where those ahead of them refuse a transfer or withdraw their interest in a particular location. A person who avails of a career break may move down the list as their date of application would be amended to take account of the period on career break.

The attached tables show the number of names recorded on each of the Department’s lists for the grades of Higher Executive Officer, Executive Officer, Staff Officer and Clerical Officer. It should be noted that a person may appear on a number of lists.