Written Answers. - Departmental Staff. – Dáil Éireann (28th Dáil) – Wednesday, 18 Oct 2000

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Question:
86 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of vacancies for each Civil Service grade in his Department; the additional steps he will take to attract and keep staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22604/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

My Department currently has two vacancies at first secretary level and one and a half vacancies at staff officer level. Requests have been submitted to the Civil Service Commission for the assignment of staff to fill these vacancies.

In relation to the Deputy's query on the additional steps I will take to attract and keep staff, my Department was involved with the Civil Service Commission and the High Skills Pool in the public sector recruitment fair which was held in the RDS in May of this year. The aim of the fair was to highlight the career development opportunities in the public sector. My Department will continue to support any such initiatives by the Civil Service Commission in the future. My Department also affords a number of flexible and family friendly working arrangements such as job-sharing, parental leave and career breaks. In addition, my Department offers educational support and ongoing staff training and development.

Dáil Éireann debate - Wednesday, 18 Oct 2000