Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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59. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has consulted with Government Departments, including the Department of Health, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Justice and Equality, on difficulties in recruiting and retaining certain types of public servants arising from the two-tier pay system and other pay reductions applied during the economic crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12996/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Based on the evidence available, and engagement with relevant Departments and agencies, of recruitment of new entrants to the public service, measured by number of applications received, number of appointments made and the overall growth in numbers, the public service continues to provide an attractive occupation and career choice for job seekers in most professional and administrative grades.

Agreements made in relation to addressing the difference in incremental salary scales between those public servants, who entered public service employment since 2011 and those who entered before that date under the provisions of the Haddington Road Agreement (HRA) and the amelioration of the impact of the pay reductions effected under the terms of the Lansdowne Road Agreement from 1 January 2016, also support the attractiveness of public service careers.

Since the beginning of 2014 thousands of additional teachers, special needs assistants, Garda, doctors and nurses have all been recruited. There has also been successful recruitment to civil service entry level and senior grades. Overall public service numbers have increased by just over 12,000 with the largest increases in the Health and Education sector. Actual recruitment levels would be higher in order to cover replacement demand (retirements and leavers).

With the improving economy and job market and where the public service is competing nationally or internationally for specialist skills, we will continue to review issues that may inhibit recruitment into the public service. In conjunction with the wider public service, my Department will continue to provide solutions to recruitment issues, where that is necessary to ensure the public service remains an attractive option for job seekers, and while being mindful of the necessity to secure fair value for the tax payer.