Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2015
139. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applicants awaiting transfer in her Department to locations other than their present location; the number of applications, by location; the rules that apply for such transfers; if an applicant has a defined position on the list for transfer; the grounds that apply to applicants being moved up or down on the list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38760/15]
View answerThe Human Resources Division of my Department manage a very substantial number of requests for staff transfers both across my Department and other Civil Service Departments and Offices each year. There are a range of different reasons for such a transfer request, one of which is based on geographic location.
I have set out information below on how staff of my Department can seek transfers which may be of assistance to the Deputy.
The main avenues that staff can follow if they are seeking a transfer are as follows:
- Staff can submit a formal request to Human Resources Division for a transfer within the Department.
- Staff can submit a formal request to Human Resources Division for a transfer to a specific location. Such requests are forwarded to all Civil Service Departments with offices in the location;
- Staff can respond to requests from Human Resources Division for expressions of interest for specific posts.
- Staff can seek to identify a head to head transfer with other staff of the same grade across the Civil Service. In such cases both Departments must be satisfied as to the suitability of the transferees, with particular reference to their respective performance and attendance records.
For requests which are forwarded to Civil Service Departments with offices in other locations, it is then the responsibility of that Department to administer their transfer list and consider candidates as and when suitable vacancies arise. The primary factor determining the member of staff's position on any transfer list is linked to the date they applied for a transfer. In all cases staff would be required to be suitable on sick leave and conduct grounds to be eligible for transfer.
Due to the large variation in the range and circumstances of staff transfers each year, it is not possible to readily isolate the numbers and breakdown sought by the Deputy and attempting to retrieve this information would involve a disproportionate dedication of staff resources.
I wish to advise the Deputy that where possible my Department will facilitate such transfer requests however the priority will always be to maintain a balanced and appropriate level of staff resources in priority areas and to match people with the most relevant skills to the requirements of posts.
