Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2017
355. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the staffing levels of both full-time and part-time staff employed to maintain the castle gardens at Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal; the number of vacancies in respect of full-time, part-time and seasonal positions which have yet to be filled as part of the gardening team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39161/17]
View answer356. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department has received formal requests for additional staffing resources to complement the team of workers employed to maintain and care for gardens at Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal, in each of the years 2015 and 2016 and to date in 2017; if so, if the requests were either approved or rejected in each instance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39162/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 355 and 356 together.
I am advised that the staffing resources required to meet my Department's business needs are assessed through the Department’s Workforce Plan, having regard to emerging business priorities, the availability of payroll resources and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform directives, guidelines and circulars on staffing. I am advised that while there have been no requests for additional permanent gardening staff in the location in question in the context of Workforce Planning in the years concerned, there has been a requirement for seasonal staff and I am advised that these posts have been approved and filled in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
I am also advised that there are four permanent and two seasonal members of staff employed specifically to maintain and care for the gardens at Glenveagh National Park. I am further advised that there are no outstanding full time, part time or seasonal posts to be filled in the gardening team. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that there has been significant recruitment in recent months across our National Parks including the appointment of an additional permanent bus driver and visitor guide at Glenveagh.
