I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.
The following table outlines the ECF for 2011 and 2012 for my Department and organisations under the aegis of my Department.
Department/Office
|
2011 ECF
|
2012 ECF
|
Finance
|
282
|
280
|
Comptroller & Auditor General
|
152
|
153
|
Office of the Appeal Commissioner
|
4
|
4
|
Revenue Commissioners
|
5,944
|
5,913
|
Total
|
6,382
|
6,350
|
It is important in any reply to clarify that the ECF is not a target number of posts to be filled. It is simply a ceiling on serving numbers below which Departments and Offices must ensure total serving numbers remain. The Moratorium on recruitment and promotion effectively means that any exception i.e. filling of a post, will arise in "very limited circumstances only", and will require the prior sanction of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I am not aware of any staffing difficulties which may impinge upon the organisation's ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds.