THE PUBLIC service is facing a manpower crisis with half of all staff due to retire within the next five to 10 years, according to the union representing senior civil servants.
The problem is worse at higher grades, with 65 per cent of principal officers and 86 per cent of assistant secretaries aged 50 or over, the Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants has said.
Speaking at the association’s annual conference, general secretary Dave Thomas said that while a recruitment process for specialised grades had started, Government’s response was inadequate.
“Within the Civil Service there are considerable problems where posts are left unfilled. Indeed there is a problem looming in the next five to 10 years. The average age of a civil servant is 45, and 70 per cent of civil servants are over 40 years of age.”
Cuts in staffing levels in the Revenue Commissioners had compromised the ability of staff to collect taxes, defeating the purpose of payroll savings, he said.
“The Government must realise it is in their interest to ensure that key roles, such as those at senior management levels in the Revenue Commissioners, are filled rather than left vacant. Failure to do so will ultimately mean a cost to the exchequer rather than a saving.”
The union’s outgoing chairman, Peadar Carpenter, said the reductions in staff in some areas had resulted in intolerable pressure being placed on staff left behind.
“Survivor stress is a daily fact of life for those who remain . . . if essential staff are not replaced decisions will have to be made over what work will be done and what won’t.”
