I propose to take Questions Nos. 355 and 356 together.
My Department does not currently have an application on file from Kerry County Council for sanction for the recruitment of Traffic Wardens. Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible.
My Department works closely with Kerry County Council in relation to the Council’s overall staffing requirements. The Council’s staffing requests are examined on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services in the context of staffing and budgetary constraints. In considering sanction requests, public safety, maintaining key front line services and economic issues are given precedence.