Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Mar 2000

Vol. 517 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

174 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will clarify the discrepancy between his reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 507, 548 and 550 of 21 March 2000 in which he states that six additional executive officer and six clerical officer posts have been assigned to the Land Registry in Waterford and his statement to Dáil Éireann on 22 March 2000 that, of the 45 additional staff for assignment, six executive officer positions and three clerical officer positions are to be assigned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9289/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

There is no discrepancy between the parliamentary question answers and my statement to the Dáil on the following day because I was speaking in the first case about posts and in the second case about the assignment of staff.

In answer to the parliamentary questions I said that six executive officer posts and six clerical officer posts had been identified for assignment to Waterford. In making my subsequent speech to the Dáil, when I was referring to the staff numbers, I was referring to requests made by the Land Registry to the Civil Service Commission. That is an important distinction because it does not necessarily follow that staff can only be assigned to Waterford from the Civil Service Commission. They can also transfer from Dublin and I am informed by Land Registry management that some interest in transferring to Waterford has been expressed by Dublin based staff. I also draw attention to what I said about the registry staffing after I gave details of the staffing numbers requested of the commission, and this is very important. What I said was, "Additional staff to the above are to be assigned to both offices but the final numbers and grades are yet to be determined".

I am further informed by Land Registry management that a number of internal competitions for promotion, partly to fill vacancies arising from the creation of the new posts in Dublin and Waterford, are being held or will be held in the next few weeks. When the results of these competitions are known, management will have a clearer picture of who wants to work, on promotion, in both Dublin and Waterford, and who wants to simply transfer. It will then, hopefully be able to fill all vacancies in each location.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

175 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of positions at principal officer level and above which will be assigned to the Land Registry; the number of these positions which will be assigned to Waterford and Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9290/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

As I informed the Deputy in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 351 on 28 March, 2000, I understand that the additional staff sanctioned for the Land Registry includes a provision for two new principal officer posts, one of which will be filled in Waterford.

In addition, provision has also been made for two examiner of title posts which are equivalent to principal officer level. I am informed that both of these posts will be based in Dublin.

The sanction for extra staff for the Land Registry does not provide for any additional posts above principal officer level.