Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 January 2026
168. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the application process for higher scales for administrative grades below the grade of assistant principal operated in her Department (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2653/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health administers a Higher Scales process for all grades below Assistant Principal, in accordance with the provisions outlined in Circular 24/1995 - Agreement in relation to grades represented by the Public Service Executive Union. Under this process, 50% of awards are allocated based on seniority, contingent upon satisfactory performance, while the remaining 50% are granted on merit. Merit-based applications are evaluated against agreed criteria and are also subject to satisfactory performance requirements.
In cases where an officer assigned to a higher scale transfers to a different department through mobility, the higher scales status is retained, as per guidance from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
