Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, I and my Department have responsibility for providing and maintaining rules and guidance on severance terms in the civil and public service as per Circular 09/2018.

Under Circular 09/2018: Consolidation of arrangements for the offer of severance terms in the civil and public service, Government Departments may seek sanction to pay severance to an individual by submitting a business case to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. The individuals involved may be employees of the relevant Government Department itself or of a public service body under its aegis. The circular allows for payment of an ex gratia severance, under the terms laid out in the circular.

It is a requirement of the circular that the level of a severance award is disclosed in the relevant appropriation account. Due to this, as well as the possibility that additional costs may be a feature of the full financial package, it would be a matter for the relevant Government Department to supply information on the final costs for severance cases in bodies under their remit.

I can confirm that no severance cases under circular 09/2018 were sanctioned involving employees of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform over the period referenced, or from bodies under its aegis.