I propose to take Questions Nos. 434 and 435 together.
Agency
|
WTE
|
Adoption Authority of Ireland
|
25.50
|
Family Support Agency
|
37.24
|
National Educational Welfare Board
|
94.00
|
Office of the Ombudsman for Children
|
9.00
|
These agencies are subject to Employment Control Frameworks which provide for progressive and permanent reductions in the numbers employed across the public service. While theses agencies, and indeed my own Department, are faced with reducing resources, we all must re-organise and re-prioritise in order to deliver on our strategic business. While acknowledging the challenges involved in providing services in the current economic climate each of these agencies have assured me that they are committed to fulfilling their obligations in accordance with Government policy.
I understand that officials in my Department are currently considering staffing resource submissions from the National Educational Welfare Board and the Adoption Authority of Ireland in August and September respectively. I understand that these issues are under consideration at present and have been signalled to officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and will be formally submitted to them for consideration in the coming weeks.