Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 February 2013
112. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of retired public sector workers on pensions within his Department or any Office/Body under his aegis that have been re-instated in other positions within the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6758/13]
View answerRetired public sector workers are engaged from time to time by my Department in areas where specific expertise is required for a short fixed period, and these persons provide a level of knowledge, experience and background compatible with such requirements. The abatement principle, which ensures that the fee paid plus pension does not exceed the rate of pay the pensioner would receive if he/she had continued service in their former post, applies to payments as appropriate.
I can confirm that a former retired member of the Garda Síochána is currently employed by me as a Civilian Driver.
There are also two retired public servants who, whilst not on the payroll of my Department, are currently engaged in specific projects under the aegis of my Department; one as Chairman of the VFM Review Group and the other as a Process Auditor for the procurement of a National Postcode System. In addition to the above there is one retired public servant sitting on an Audit Committee for the Department on a pro bono basis.
In addition, last year, three retired civil servants were taken back for very short periods of time in order to provide a service, which required their previous expertise and experience.
My Department does not have information in respect of staff who have retired from the Department and who may currently be in positions in other areas of the Public Sector. I have asked the Agencies under the aegis of my Department to supply the requested information, where relevant, in respect of those Agencies directly to the Deputy.
