The data requested by the Deputy in relation to reductions in public service numbers in 2013 is set out in Expenditure Report 2013, Table 6 Public Service Staff Numbers (Whole Time Equivalents) page 132. A copy of this publication was given to all Deputies on Budget day. It is also available on my Department’s website http://budget.gov.ie/Budgets/2013/2013.aspx.
A similar table is published each year in the Revised Estimates for the Public Services Volume which again are made available to Deputies.
I would also request Deputies to note that the historical data public service numbers is available on my Department’s website (http://databank.per.gov.ie/) from 1994 to Quarter 3 2012. This data is regularly updated and I would urge all Deputies to utilise this resource.
The Government is committed to reducing public service numbers to 282,500 by the end of 2014 as part of its Reform Agenda. The overriding objective is to have a more customer focused, leaner, more efficient and better integrated public service which delivers maximum value for money. Number ceilings are set by Government for each Sector/Department, it is then a matter for individual Ministers to allocate staffing resources, within his or her own area of responsibility, with due regard to Government policies and priorities.