I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.
The Deputy should note there is not an embargo on recruitment to the public sector as this would imply that no filling of vacancies whatsoever could take place. The Government decision regarding the moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the public service, which is effective from March 27 2009, provides the Minister for Finance with the authority to allow for the filling of vacancies in exceptional circumstances where warranted. Such approval from the Minister for Finance may, in due course, involve the redeployment of staff from other Departments or public bodies.
I can confirm that the moratorium will operate in respect of non-commercial state bodies and is therefore applicable to Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). Staff numbers serving in SFI are outlined in the following table.
Date
|
Number
|
31st December 2007
|
36
|
31st December 2008
|
50
|
20th April 2009
|
54
|