The Government has decided that voluntary redundancy will be introduced in certain targeted sections of the Public Service where staff surpluses are identified by management and where redeployment is not suitable. My Department agreed the terms for voluntary redundancy with the Public Services Committee of ICTU in June 2012, a copy of which can be found on my Department's website at: http://per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Collective-Agreement-June-2012.pdf
As announced recently, voluntary redundancy will first be rolled out in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and certain parts of the Health and Education Sectors. These Departments are currently drafting plans which will identify the precise areas to be targeted and the timing of exits. Once these details have been finalised, the need for further engagement with union representatives within the sectors will then be considered by local management.