Written answers

Tuesday, 31 May 2016

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Photo of Richard Boyd BarrettRichard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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48. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of recruitment in the public service since the moratorium was lifted; the number of persons who have been recruited across each section; the procedures management has to follow to obtain sanction to recruit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13010/16]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Since the ending of the Moratorium on Recruitment in 2015, each Government Department has been given delegated authority to manage staff numbers. Under the delegation, Departments can recruit and promote in grades up to and including Principal Officer or equivalent. Delegation is contingent on Departments remaining with the overall pay ceilings (as agreed at Budget time and voted by the Dáil); on them complying with monthly and quarterly reporting on numbers and pay; and on adherence to workforce planning. Departments may also institute similar delegated arrangements with agencies or bodies under their aegis. This new approach provides more local control of recruitment and staff allocation generally, giving managers the means to respond to service needs as they arise

Under this arrangement then, my Department is no longer directly involved in the direct sanction of recruitment or promotion to posts (up to PO level). At an overall Budget level however, in both the 2015 and 2016 Budgets, provision was made for additional staff in the Health Sector (including student nurses and interns); more teachers, Special Need Assistants and Resource teachers in the Education sector; and additional Gardaí. Across the Public Service as a whole, following the lifting of the Moratorium, numbers increased by 8,600 in 2015, and by more than 2,000 so far this year.

As I have referred to, it is still the case that approval must be sought for posts at more senior levels (above Principal Officer level) and for new State bodies. The number of such requests, over and above those announced by the Government in the Budget, is less than 50. The most notable request and approval, in respect of new State bodies, was for 21 staff for the new Policing Authority, which was established on 1 January this year. In terms of the process for seeking and gaining sanction, it falls to the line Department to make the business case for the additional posts, including outlining the benefits and costs. Proposals are then examined by my Department with regard to the strength of the business case made and in the context of overall budgetary affordability.

Up to date information on public service numbers can be found on my Department's website at .

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