Vol. 568 No. 6
236 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has to reduce numbers employed to bring down public sector numbers by 5,000 over three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17157/03]
The Government decision regarding the reduction of overall public sector numbers by 5,000 has been the subject of detailed discussions between officials of my Department and officials in the Department of Finance. These discussions are ongoing. When these consultations with all Departments have been completed, it is envisaged that the Minister for Finance will bring a proposal to Government regarding the detailed implementation of this reduction across the public sector. In the circumstances I am not in position at this stage to indicate the position on appointments in the education sector.
