Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018
424. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason persons are being recruited to her Department while at the same time employees in the carer's allowance section are being let go; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18936/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, like all Departments and agencies is required to operate within a staff ceiling figure and a commensurate administrative staffing budget, which for this Department has involved reductions in staff.
The staffing needs for all areas within the Department are continuously reviewed, taking account of workloads, management priorities and the ongoing need to respond to new increasing demands in a wide range of services. This is to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources with a view to providing an efficient service to those who rely on the schemes operated by the Department.
Permanent staff are recruited for a number of reasons: to provide additional resources to priority work areas; to replace staff who have been promoted or transferred elsewhere; and to replace staff who have resigned or retired from the Department. From January 2017 to January 2018, 12 permanent staff were recruited to the Carer's Allowance section.
Temporary clerical staff are recruited to cover absences of permanent staff on maternity leave, long term sick leave, other statutory leave and also to provide cover for some staff availing of the shorter working year scheme. They are also recruited to alleviate work pressure in certain areas, and to assist in the roll-out of the Public Services Card project.
Temporary contracts are offered for a fixed term or a fixed purpose. In the case of a fixed purpose contract the term can vary according to the purpose of the contract. All temporary contracts are kept under review and are terminated when the purpose for the contract has ceased.
