Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2014
221. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in view of the improved fiscal circumstances, his plans to lift the embargo on public sector recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36975/14]
View answerAs I have previously stated, there is no embargo on recruitment to the Public Service. To safeguard frontline and priority services, the Government has allowed for critical posts to be filled throughout the period of consolidation of public service numbers. In addition to this ongoing recruitment, special provision was made in last October's Budget for the recruitment into key front line sectors, including more than 900 extra resource teachers for the school system. The Government recognises areas of most need, and it is responding to them where it can. Under the Moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service there has been a much more careful and targeted approach to recruitment, which needs to be understood on two fronts:
Firstly, Government has a responsibility to control the cost of public services. The savings achieved over the last number of years have made an important contribution to the overall improvement in the public finances. These savings need to be maintained.
Secondly, the Government is committed to Public Service reform and is focused on driving efficiency and improving how public services are delivered.
Resource needs over the medium term have been examined as part of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, the outcome of which will help inform Budget decisions and measures.
