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Public Service Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2012

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

Ceisteanna (41)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

128 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to change the current arrangements in respect of notice period for persons wishing to leave the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20282/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A three month notice period was introduced as a temporary measure to assist management across the public service in dealing with the large number of retirements of staff in the run up to the end of the "grace period"— i.e. the period during which the calculation of pension was unaffected by the pay reductions applied under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009.

In order to protect public services it was critical that management in each of the sectors had knowledge of the numbers of staff retiring and the business areas that might be affected by potentially large scale departures.

While the specific circumstances of the "grace period" resulted in a higher number of retirements than would normally occur, it remains critical that management know when key staff will be leaving their organisation.

In addition, we are required under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding with the EU/ECB/IMF to make quarterly returns on the progress being made in relation to reductions in numbers in the public service. Accurate and early information on forthcoming retirements is an important input and it provides us with information on whether the reduction in the public service pay bill arising from impending retirements is sufficient to meet Ireland's commitments under the Memorandum of Understanding.

In light of this it is my intention to issue a revised instruction in relation to notice requirements for retirements and resignations in the civil service shortly. Discussions have commenced with the civil service unions on the introduction of a formalised required notice period. The question of senior civil servants and key personnel giving longer notice is also being examined.

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