Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 June 2012
202 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs 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. [28924/12]
View answerI presume the Deputy is enquiring about the use of agency or contract staff engaged to meet a short-term service need or where some flexibility in staffing a service is required. In that regard, I can confirm that my Department, the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Family Support Agency and the Children's Detention Schools do not presently engage such services.
There are 4 agency staff employed by the National Educational Welfare Board on a short term basis every quarter for school return data entry purposes. In addition, the Board presently employs two persons on short term contracts. The engagement of persons on short term contract or agency basis is subject to strict public procurement procedures and costs are kept under constant review.
The information requested relating to the Office of the Ombudsman for Children is not readily available in my Department. I have requested the Ombudsman to provide the information directly to the Deputy.
