Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 6

Written Answers. - Public Service.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

62 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the progress made to date with regard to the proposed shedding of 4,300 jobs in the public service; the steps being taken to ensure that this measure does not lead to a reduction in public service; if these job reductions have been agreed with the social partners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30101/03]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

The Government approved proposals on the timing and distribution of 4,300 of the 5,000 reduction in authorised numbers last June and I intend to revisit this issue early in the new year to see where the balance of 700 posts can be identified.

Progress to date has been satisfactory with approximately 20% of the reduction in authorised numbers expected by the end of this year. Approximately 55% of the reduction should be achieved by end 2004 with the balance in 2005.

The implementation of the reduction in individual organisations is a matter for the management of each organisation. In the context of the substantial increases in public service numbers in the past few years, the reduction is small enough to be manageable without having a serious effect on service delivery. In keeping with the partnership approach to industrial relations in the public service, I have encouraged dialogue with staff representatives on the implementation of the reduction in individual organisations.