Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
347. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the adequacy of timeframes for replacing public sector staff; the associated internal processing delays in financing staffing changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30989/23]
View answerThe recruitment and filling of posts in the local authority sector is undertaken both by individual local authorities and the Public Appointments Service. Following the approval of a staffing sanction request by my Department, where such is required, it is then a matter for the Chief Executive, who is responsible under Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001 for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible, to progress the appointment as appropriate.
Staff sanction requests are considered in light of Government priorities and other requirements when received in my Department and consideration is also given to the overall staffing levels of the local authority and its ability to meet the ongoing costs involved. In terms specifically of vacancies that arise for existing posts, the majority of local authorities operate under a delegated sanction whereby they can replace vacancies up to Grade VII and equivalent without recourse to my Department for sanction.
