Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 18 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The following table gives details of the current number of vacancies for each grade in my Department.

Grades	No. of Vacancies
Assistant Secretary	1
Assistant Principal	4
Higher Executive Officer	6
Administrative Officer	2
Executive Officer	21.5
Staff Officer	2
Clerical Officer	15.5
Accountant Grade I	3
Accountant Grade II	1
Accountant Grade III	2
Examiner of Patents	1
Economist	1
Senior Economist	2
Solicitor	3

With few exceptions, the staff of my Department is recruited by the Civil Service Commission through open competition. My Department co-operates closely with the Civil Service Commission to fill vacancies as they arise. The CSC is undertaking a number of initiatives to highlight the attraction of a career in the Civil Service.

In line with other Government Departments, my Department offers flexible work arrangements such as parental leave, career breaks, job-sharing, term-time and flexible working hours to members of staff. The provision of ongoing staff training and development together with educational support are central to enhancing the skills and competencies of staff. These initiatives are core elements in attracting and retaining staff in the Civil Service.