Departmental Bodies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022

Tuesday, 5 July 2022

Ceisteanna (236)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

236. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 368 of 10 May 2022, the number of the eight staff sanctioned by his Department for An Bord Pleanála’s new marine climate unit who have been recruited and are in place; to name the posts that have been recruited and are in place; the number of these roles that have been advertised but not yet filled, and to name those posts; the number of these roles that have not yet been advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35819/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

It should be noted that arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Bord Pleanála in this regard is [e-mail].

In order to assist the Deputy, my Department requested and received the information sought from An Bord Pleanála, who have provided an update on the posts for the Marine / Climate Unit. 

An Bord Pleanála’s Workforce Plan for 2021-2022 was approved by my Department in October 2021 and provided for 24 additional posts. This included an initial 8 staff for a new Marine/Climate Unit. Sanction was subsequently sought by An Bord Pleanála to fill 5 of these 8 Marine/Climate Unit positions, which my department provided. The status of these 5 positions is detailed in the table below.

Administrative Assistant x1	1 Appointed
Senior Planning Inspector (or equivalent) x 2	2 Appointed
Executive Officer x1	Competition ongoing - 1 Appointment expected in August 2022.
Assistant Director of Planning x1	Vacant