Vol. 573 No. 1
269 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of public service cuts proposed for his Department in 2004; the areas in which such proposed cuts will be effected; if they are likely to be at lower or higher levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24515/03]
The reduction in public service numbers to be effected in 2004 in this Department and the relevant non-commercial semi-State bodies under its aegis has been set at between five and six posts. This is part of an overall reduction of 15 posts to be achieved over the period 2003 to 2005. The precise proportions of the reduction to be borne between the Department and the relevant bodies, the Western Development Commission and Údarás na Gaeltachta, have not yet been finalised. The Department and the relevant bodies will endeavour to ensure that the reduction is achieved in a manner that will not affect service delivery to the public or the achievement of strategic objectives.
