I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.
In 2009 the Government introduced a moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the Civil & Public service in order to reduce staff numbers and generate a saving on the cost of staff payrolls. Under the terms of the moratorium it was not possible to fill a post however it arose, unless a Government Department could present a case to the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform that a particular post was essential.
At this Department the Schools Inspectorate Division experienced a significant number of retirements and a case was presented to DPER and it authorised a limited number of promotions and recruitment as it was evident that this was essential in order to maintain an effective school inspection service.
Government decided that the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) should be expanded in order that it was in a position to provide its services nationwide and additional recruitment to the Service was authorised.
Due to the conditions of the moratorium there is no direct correlation between retirements, resignations and appointments. The following tabular statements are on the grades and the number of whole-time equivalent positions at the Department as at the 31st December, together with the number of retirements/resignations he requested and details of the pay cost out turn for the respective years.
Public Sector Staff