I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 76 together.
FETAC have informed my Department that the decision to offer early retirement to staff in late 2008 was influenced by a number of factors. The reduction of numbers at certain grades was in line with the recommendations of an organisational review of FETAC undertaken by Farrell Grant Sparks. This review was in turn arranged in response to a recommendation in the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland external review of FETAC that identified structural imbalance in the organisation. FETAC also cited the expectation that efficiencies would arise from the forthcoming amalgamation of HETAC, FETAC and NQAI and that salary savings would be achieved over time arising from the early retirements.
I understand that three of the four former members of staff held the position of Development Officer, a senior technical grade in FETAC. The fourth member of staff held a Grade VI post, an administrative middle management position. A table showing the length of service and lump sum paid to each of the members of staff is set out below.
The Senior Management Team of FETAC, led by the Chief Executive Officer, authorised the early retirements. The approval of the Minister for Education and Skills and the consent of the Minister for Finance, required by FETAC's governing legislation, was not sought. Legal advice in respect of the recovery or reassessment of unauthorised benefits has been obtained and is being considered.
Apart from the FETAC early retirement scheme, no other staff have left FETAC, HETAC or the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland since the amalgamation announcement, other than through resignation, non-renewal of temporary contracts due to the moratorium on public sector recruitment, the expiry of a period of secondment from another organisation or normal retirement pursuant to the terms of the relevant pension scheme.
|
Grade
|
Total Service; Public Sector
|
Amount in FETAC
|
Lump Sum
|
|
Applicant A
|
Development Officer
|
37.128 years
|
5.586 years
|
151,868
|
|
Applicant B
|
Development Officer
|
32.9687 years
|
5.167 years
|
133,834
|
|
Applicant C
|
Development Officer
|
24.863 years
|
4.671 years
|
121,834
|
|
Applicant D
|
Grade VI
|
31.718 years
|
5.559 years
|
78,124
|
