Committee Reports > List of Committees > Dáil > 1975 > Committee of Public Accounts > Interim and Final Report - Appropriation Accounts 1972 - 1973

APPENDIX 13.

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OFFICE—STAFFING

23 Bealtaine, 1975.

Cléireach an Choiste,

An Coiste um Chuntais Phoiblí.

A Chara,

With reference to my examination before the Public Accounts Committee on 10 April, 1975, I undertook to supply information in regard to staffing of the Geological Survey Office.

As mentioned at the proceedings, the authorised staffing of that Office, as shown in the 1972/73 Book of Estimates, was 43; this number still stood in the 1973/74 Estimates. The question of increased staffing was, at that time, the subject of discussion with the Department of Finance and there was a provision in the amount of money under the heading “Provision for additional staff” to meet the cost of such extra posts as might be approved. In 1974 (9 months period 1 April, 1974, to 31 December, 1974) the Book of Estimates showed an authorised staffing of 48 and this number has increased to 73 in the 1975 Estimates.

While the authorised number of staff has thus been increased substantially it has not been possible to fill the vacancies, which are in the professional and technical grades and constitute the major part of the staffing structure, as expeditiously as might be desired. However, resulting from competitions held, matters are now well advanced towards filling a total of thirteen posts in various grades. Some further competitions have been held and the results are expected shortly; other competitions are being arranged. From these it is hoped to fill the remaining seventeen of the authorised posts.

These factors should result in a greatly increased serving staff in the Geological Survey, soon.

Is mise, le meas,

P. Ó SLATARRA,

Oifigeach Cuntasaíochta,

An Roinn Tionscail agus Tráchtála.