Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 April 2019

Thursday, 11 April 2019

Ceisteanna (208)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

208. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the implications of circular letter EL 02/2011 in terms of persons in the public sector being recruited from outside the common recruitment pool (details supplied); if the issues of deterrence, unfairness and inequity which arise in terms of recruitment of experienced persons will be given consideration; the statutory instrument that allows the circular to set down this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17011/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

Public sector employment policy is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. In accordance with the Department of Finance Circular E100/8/82 of 23 December 2010, relating to “Starting Pay on Recruitment from Open Competitions”, my Department issued Circular letter E.L. 02/2011 to local authorities. This circular outlines that offers of appointment, to persons, that are not serving local authority employees on or after 1 January 2011, must be at the minimum point of the relevant pay scale.

However, the circular includes a provision for exceptions to this overarching governing principle. Where a local authority chief executive is of the view that there are exceptional circumstances, justifying the offer of starting pay above the minimum, he/she may seek a specific sanction from my Department, in advance of any offer being made. My Department consults with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on such requests.