Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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160. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the recruitment embargo throughout the public sector has been lifted with particular reference to the need to ensure replenishment of staffing levels in the most sensitive areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53945/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The moratorium on recruitment in the Public Service, introduced as a control measure in 2009, was ended with effect from 2015. Since then, a policy of delegated sanction for management of staff numbers has been applied to most Government Departments. Under this policy, subject to remaining within their pay ceilings, Departments can recruit or promote in grades up to and including Principal Officer or equivalent without seeking central approval. Departments with delegated sanction may also introduce similar arrangements with public service bodies under their aegis. The policy gives Departments a greater degree of flexibility to respond to staffing needs as they arise.

Since the ending of the moratorium, the number of full-time equivalent staff employed in the Public Service and delivering services on behalf of the State has grown by just over 25,000 and stands at approximately 315,000 as of Q3 2017.

The Deputy may wish to note that recent growth in public service numbers has taken place in the key sectors of health, education and justice in line with increased investment by Government in these services with these three areas accounting for over 85 per cent of the increase in staffing since the end of 2014. This, in addition to the further planned recruitment in 2018, reflects the Government's response in terms of prudent and sustainable increases in public spending to key service needs reflecting, for example, demographic developments.