Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022
210. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will sanction all the vacant posts across local authorities and provide the necessary resources for these posts to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31317/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring that the local government sector remains vibrant and sustainable and is well equipped and properly resourced to deliver the key functions within its remit and adequate staffing of local authorities is key in this regard.
The recruitment and filling of posts in the local authority sector is undertaken both by individual local authorities and the Public Appointments Service. Following the approval of a staffing sanction request by my Department where such is required it is then a matter for the Chief Executive, who is responsible under Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001 for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible, to progress the appointment as appropriate.
Staff sanction requests are considered in light of Government priorities and other requirements when received and consideration is also given to the overall staffing levels of the authority and its ability to meet the ongoing costs involved. It is important to note that at present there is strong competition for staff given the strength of the economy and recruitment processes can take some time to be completed.
