Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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421. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform whether his attention has been drawn to a civil service mobility scheme transfer that was accepted by a civil servant (details supplied) only to be terminated without prior notice; whether he has or will investigate the matter; his view on whether it is appropriate that a civil servant who has availed of a statutory right of appeal to a body and subsequently seeks employment directly or via the civil service mobility scheme have this used as a reason to cancelling an agreed offer of employment; the supports he can offer to civil servants in this situation and to ensure the future smooth running of the civil service mobility scheme; the rights of remedy which are open to civil servants in such circumstance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61865/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Civil Service Mobility Scheme offers civil servants an opportunity to apply for Mobility (i.e. transfer) through an open and transparent system in the Civil Service only.

Eligibility and Suitability

Civil servants are automatically deemed eligible for Mobility once the eligibility criteria have been met (i.e. 2 years’ services and a ‘Satisfactory’ PMDS rating). Additionally, each local HR unit is required to complete a ‘Suitability Report’ to assess the applicant’s current suitability for Mobility under the headings of performance, conduct and attendance. An applicant will not be made an offer of Mobility if they are determined to be unsuitable.

The Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) is responsible for setting overarching mobility policy in the Civil Service and the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) are the administrators of the scheme. Local Human Resources units are considered the lead administrators of the scheme where an offer is under consideration or has been made. As per the Civil Service Mobility Scheme, a formal offer of mobility can be withdrawn in exceptional circumstances.

Appeals

There is no appeals process in cases of non-compliance with the terms and conditions for the Mobility scheme. A case can be raised with the NSSO if the cancellation is due to a technical glitch or where an applicant cancels their application by accident and makes contact upon receipt of the cancellation notification. Where an applicant is deemed unsuitable for Mobility under Attendance, the applicant has a right to lodge an appeal against the determination to the relevant local HR unit. Information pertaining to such cases is retained by local HR units and not collected centrally.

Supports

The Civil Service Employee Assistance Service (CSEAS) is a nationwide Employee Assistance service for all staff members working in the Civil Service. They support individuals with any workplace or personal difficulties that may be having a negative impact on them at home or at work.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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422. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to clarify whether politically appointed staff, such as administrative assistants and parliamentary assistants, who worked for TDs or Senators in the past are eligible for incremental credit on the salary scale if later employed by the civil service at the same grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61869/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Incremental credit in the Civil Service is granted according to the terms of Circular 21/2004 for previous service as Clerical and Executive Officer and equivalent grades. Incremental credit is granted in respect of previous service in a Government Department or Public Service Body or an equivalent body in the EU / EEA and the UK.

Politically appointed staff such as those listed are employees of the Member and are not Civil/Public servants in the meaning of Circular 21/2004.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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423. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to clarify whether temporarily employed staff, such as graduate policy officers, who worked for an embassy or Department are eligible for incremental credit on the salary scale if later employed by the civil service at the same grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61870/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Incremental Credit is granted under the terms of Circular 21/2004 for previous service at Clerical and Executive Officer and equivalent grades. Incremental Credit may be granted for previous service in a Government Department or Public Service Body or an equivalent body in the EU / EEA or the UK.

Incremental credit is granted on the basis that the previous experience is relevant to the work of the grade.