Departmental Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Questions (1054)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

1069 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a public sector employee (details supplied) who is being redeployed from their current employment in Donegal town to another location in the county cannot be facilitated with a move to another Department within the public sector located in Donegal town; and if they cannot be located in Donegal town, the position they will hold in relation to the transfer list for future vacancies in Donegal town. [17633/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

My Department's office in Donegal Town was identified for closure as a result of a review of my Department's local office network. My Department has redeployed staff in accordance with a protocol agreed with the staff associations and has endeavoured to redeploy staff within location where possible. Unfortunately this has not been possible for all staff in Donegal Town as there are no further suitable vacancies available in other Government Departments in that location. In these circumstances and in line with the Government's Public Service Reform Plan, my Department is in the process of redeploying identified surplus staff to other Government Departments/Agencies outside of current work locations. With regard to any future transfers the person named can apply to be included on the "Central Transfer List" for Donegal Town; this list is the officially agreed mechanism by which staff at this employee's grade may transfer between regional locations.