Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 June 2012
125 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of agency and contract staff currently employed in the public sector; the mechanism in place for monitoring and managing the associated costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28932/12]
View answerThere are currently 260 temporary clerical officers employed in the Department of Social Protection. Temporary clerical staff are recruited by the Department to cover absences of permanent staff on maternity leave, long-term sick leave, other statutory leave and also to provide cover for some staff availing of the shorter working year scheme. They are also recruited to alleviate work pressure in certain areas.
Temporary contracts are offered for a fixed purpose and the term can vary according to the purpose of the contract. The contracts are kept under review by the HR Division and are terminated when the purpose for the contract has ceased.
Some of the costs involved in the recruitment of temporary staff can be offset, for example, where permanent staff on certain statutory leave and those availing of the shorter working year scheme are on unpaid leave or where staff on long-term sick leave are on a reduced salary.
In addition, the Department's chief medical adviser has been retained on a temporary contract beyond retirement. His salary is abated to take account of his pension rate of payment.
The decision to re-employ the chief medical adviser was taken due to his specific skills and experience, the difficulty and long lead-in time for replacing such skills, and the critical importance of ensuring continuity and a high level of service to customers of the Department.
