I propose to take Questions Nos. 514 to 516, inclusive, together.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 3/2013 sets out the arrangements for a Staff Exchange Scheme between the Civil Service and the Private Sector. This Circular introduced a new Staff Exchange Scheme along the lines of the previous Temporary Staff Transfer Scheme provided for under Department of Public Service Circular 10/79.
The Scheme involves placement of civil servants from Government Departments in private sector companies for a minimum period of three months and up to a period of one year. The private sector executives would, in turn, be placed in a Government Department for a similar period. There were no expressions of interest from any staff member in my Department to participate nor were any applications from the private sector to work in my Department under the scheme received.