Departmental Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 November 2022

Wednesday, 9 November 2022

Ceisteanna (101)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

101. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of civil servants in his Department who are seconded to State agencies or other public bodies and in receipt of a higher duty or acting allowance; the number who have been seconded for more than ten, more than 20 and more 30 years, respectively; if the higher duty allowance is not pensionable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55767/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

My Department facilitates secondments of officials to other organisations, as a result of their particular skill sets, to meet specific business needs and/or to facilitate career development opportunities.

There is currently only one civil servant on secondment from my Department to a State agency or other public body, on a fixed-term contract basis, in a role which attracts a higher salary than their salary in their substantive civil service grade i.e. the grade at which the individual is employed in my Department. The difference between the two is pensionable. It should be noted that the full salary cost associated with the post is met by the receiving organisation. 

There are no civil servants on secondment from my Department to a State agency or public body for more than 10 years.