Prior to the introduction of the Programme of Decentralisation in May 2004, the names of Clerical Officers and Staff Officers applying for transfers were recorded on departmental transfer lists in accordance with formal protocols agreed between the Civil, Public and Services Union (CPSU) and the Department of Finance. There were no formal protocols for other grades in the civil or public service, however informal transfer lists were maintained.
Following the introduction of the Programme of Decentralisation, the Central Applications Facility (CAF), which is administered by the Public Appointments Service, was established to record transfer applications in respect of all grades, across the civil and public service. When a vacancy falls to be filled by way of transfer, the relevant transfer list is referenced.
Statistics in relation to the various transfer lists are not maintained in such a way as to allow for the provision of the specific details being sought by the Deputy, i.e. number of applications received, approved or rejected in the past three years.