Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 July 2016
282. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of staff employed by Waterways Ireland in 2008; the number of staff currently employed, specifying the number of office-based staff and operational staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23011/16]
View answer283. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she considers that the numbers employed by Waterways Ireland are still representative of the 85:15 split in funding; and the measures in place to provide permanent employment in each of the areas where the employment levels have fallen since 2008. [23012/16]
View answer284. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if moves towards part-time or casual employment is in the best interests of Waterways Ireland employees and staff. [23013/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 282 to 284, inclusive, together.
As of 31 December 2008 Waterways Ireland employed 335 staff, comprised of 118 Professional, Technical and Administration staff (who are primarily office based although Waterways Ireland does not classify staff by such a category) and 217 Operational (Industrial) staff, including 9 fixed term operational (industrial) staff and 15 agency Professional, Technical and Administration staff.
Waterways Ireland currently employs a total of 336 staff, comprised of 130 Professional, Technical and Administration staff (primarily office based), and 206 Operational (Industrial) staff, including 38 fixed term operational (industrial) contract staff and 9 Professional, Technical and Administration staff.
The 85:15 ratio referred to by the Deputy does not relate to the staff within the organisation. It is a reflection of the kilometres of navigation in each jurisdiction, 85% in this jurisdiction and 15% in the North.
Having regard to the budgetary resources available to the organisation, Waterways Ireland continuously reviews its staffing arrangements in order to prioritise the delivery of front-line services. In this context, Waterways Ireland has moved to a model of recruiting fixed term staff. This reflects the fact that as some elements of the organisation’s work are seasonal in nature, permanent appointments would not offer value for money.
