Written Answers. - Public Service Staff. – Dáil Éireann (28th Dáil) – Wednesday, 19 Nov 1997

Written Answers. - Public Service Staff.

Question:
77 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the number of public servants on 1 January 1997; the expected number on 1 January 1998; the estimated cost of the increase, if any, in these figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19610/97]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

On 1 January 1997, the number of public servants was 219,034. The projected number on 1 January 1998 is 220,748, an increase of 1,714. This increase is made up of the following changes in the main sectoral areas:

	1/ 1/ 98 over 1/ 1/ 97
Civil Service	-270
Garda Síochána	+353
Defence Forces	-552
Education	+645
NCSSBs	-162
Health Service	+1,500
Local Authorities	+200
Total	+1,714

Excluding the local authorities, which are not included in the Public Service pay bill, the overall increase in numbers to 1 January 1998 is projected at 1,514. Taking all the changes into account, the estimated cost in 1997 attributable solely to this increase in numbers is £46.9 million.

The increase in public service numbers between 1 January 1997 and 1 January 1998 is 0.8 per cent. This low increase shows that the Government's policy of restricting the growth in public service numbers is successful. The small increase has been achieved while at the same time providing staff to meet important social priorities.

Dáil Éireann debate - Wednesday, 19 Nov 1997