Frank O'Rourke (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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53. To ask the Minister for Finance if he is aware of significant vacancies in the Central Bank enforcement division, including at very senior roles; the manner in which these vacancies are impacting on the delivery of the Central Bank’s mandate; the manner in which he can assist in addressing this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17533/16]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Central Bank that at the end of April 2016, the Enforcement Division had 53.8 active staff. Its target staff level is 71.5. The Central Bank is currently in the midst of a recruitment campaign aimed at filling vacancies at varying levels of experience. The Bank has informed me that it keeps its resource allocation under constant review and will be flexible as it moves to recruit additional staff.

While the vacancy rate of approximately 25% might appear high, it should be borne in mind that it is largely attributable to a significant increase in the staff complement of the Enforcement Division rather than a loss of existing experienced personnel.

The operational independence of the Central Bank is enshrined in statute and as such I have no role to play in staffing matters at the Bank. The issues of staffing and remuneration are matters for the Central Bank Commission.