Public Sector Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 October 2015

Thursday, 22 October 2015

Ceisteanna (154)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

154. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to establish a central transfer agency for public servants, to improve transfer times and make a broader range of potential employees knowingly available to recruiters in the public sector, as the current scenario is heavily dependent on direct bilateral moves within agencies, local authorities or Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37001/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As the Deputy is aware there are currently no formal arrangements for the transfer of staff between the different sectors of the public service. While, for example, expressions of interest did allow for some movement between sectors such moves were, in the main, designed to address specific skills shortages.   

About 12,000 civil and public servants have moved under various mobility schemes.

Under Action 15 of the Civil Service Renewal Plan, my Department reporting to the Civil Service Management Board is examining ways to improve mobility across both the civil service and the wider public service. I would expect that the proposed centralised approach set out in the Deputy's question would be one of the options considered in that context given the shortcomings in existing arrangements.