Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
534. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total reduction in the number of staff in the civil and public service since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17235/13]
View answerHistorical data on public service staff numbers is available on my Department’s website (http://databank.per.gov.ie/) from 1994 to Quarter 4 2012.
Between end-Quarter 1 2011 and end-Quarter 4 2012, public service numbers fell by 13,041 (or 4.3%), from 303,903 to 290,861. Data on serving numbers for Quarter 1 2013 is currently being collated.
The Government is committed to reducing public service numbers as part of its reform programme aimed at delivering a more customer focused, leaner, more efficient and better integrated public service. The Government’s policy is largely achieved through the non-replacement of retiring staff, although the moratorium arrangements allow for exceptions, particularly in the education and health sectors, and for some other priority posts.
