Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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16. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of NAMA staff that have taken voluntary redundancy to date in 2017; the number of staff expected to take voluntary redundancy in 2018 and 2019; his views on the number of redundancies taken to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50870/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As outlined in my response to Dáil Question No. 199 of 20 September 2017, the NAMA voluntary redundancy scheme, which includes a retention element, was established to help safeguard NAMA’s performance, aid the Agency in retaining its operational capabilities through the retention of key staff during the course of its disposal strategy, and allow NAMA to fulfil its objective of maximising value for the State.

I am advised that 41 staff in total departed NAMA under the scheme in 2017.  I am also advised that the 2018 scheme was advertised to NAMA staff in July 2017, and that the application process is still ongoing. I am advised that it is not possible to estimate the exact number of staff expected to take voluntary redundance in the future as any schemes in 2018 or 2019 will take into account the ongoing business needs of the Agency at that time as determined by the NAMA Board’s objectives.

NAMA has advised that the retention portion of the scheme is being implemented in line with the stipulated parameters, agreed by the previous Minister for Finance and NAMA in March 2015, regarding the quantum of any payment under the scheme, the timing of any such payment and employee eligibility under the scheme.  To be eligible for the retention scheme a NAMA employee must:

- have been identified by the NAMA Board as essential to achieving NAMA’s objectives;

- be on a specified purpose contract

- not have a right of return to the NTMA and not be employed by any successor entity of NAMA;

- have a minimum of two year’s employment with NAMA at the time of redundancy;

- have maintained a “fully satisfactory” rating or greater for the duration of their employment with NAMA;

and

- remain with NAMA as long as required.

The Deputy will be aware that as Minister, I have no role in respect of NAMA's commercial operations or decisions, including determining NAMA's staffing numbers and redundancies, which are internal considerations for the NAMA Chief Executive and Board.