Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
629. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he intends to provide a formal sanction to Dublin Fire Brigade for the recruitment of 28 positions of emergency services controllers; and his views that a cost in the region of €100,000 for the external recruitment process provides value for money. [58055/12]
View answerMy Department operates a delegated sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for implementation of the moratorium in relation to local authorities. Any exceptions to the moratorium in local authorities require sanction from my Department. Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each City and County Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. This would include the formation and operation of recruitment panels and costs associated therewith.
In this regard, it is a matter for City and County Managers, in the first instance, to ensure that the moratorium is implemented while the appropriate service levels are maintained. My Department examines all staffing sanction requests on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services in the context of staffing and budgetary constraints. In considering sanction requests public safety, maintaining key front line services, and economic issues are given precedence. In relation to the specific posts referred to in the question my Department is considering the sanction request, in consultation with the Council, and a decision will be made once that process has been completed.
