Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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180. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding temporary staff that are in her Department in County Longford despite there being permanent positions available on the panel and persons awaiting appointment to take these positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43062/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Temporary clerical staff are recruited to provide cover for permanent staff who are absent on maternity leave, long term sick leave, shorter working year scheme and other statutory leave. They are also recruited to clear backlogs and to assist in the roll-out of the Public Services Card project.

These temporary staff are appointed on a fixed-term or fixed purpose contract basis, neither of which carries entitlement to permanency. Once the purpose for which the person is recruited no longer exists the contract is terminated.