Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Feb 1995

Vol. 448 No. 8

Written Answers. - Local Authority Staffing.

Noel Ahern

Question:

42 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment his policy in relation to replacement and recruitment of staff in local authorities; when this policy commenced; the reduction of staff as a result of this policy; if the positions or vacancies have been abolished or if they are covered by overtime or staff on temporary contracts; if so, the number of temporary contracts; if the policy has brought a financial saving; and if the policy should now be eased in view of the extra financial resources now available to practically all quarters of the public service except local authorities. [2951/95]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

Under existing controls, introduced in 1990, local authorities may fill vacancies arising in officer grades within existing overall numbers; any proposals for the creation of additional offices are considered on their merits. The recruitment of employees in the non-officer grades is entirely a matter for local authorities; there are no central controls on such recruitment. These arrangements have not resulted in a reduction in officer numbers since 1990 and the overall number of employees in the non-officer grades has remained relatively static since then. The other information sought does not therefore arise.