Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2026
176. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the process and prescribed steps mandated by natural and constitutional justice, by legislation and Civil Service Circular for the dismissal of Civil Servants of the Government at or above the level of Principal Officer in the Irish Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53782/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra177. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of senior civil servants lawfully dismissed by 'will of Government' for each of the years 2021 to 2025 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53783/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra178. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide a detailed statement of the duties resting on senior civil and public servants, and the consequences for them, when formally advised that their actions have infringed the constitutional and fundamental rights of a citizen and yet, despite such notice, they persist in that violation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53784/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, together.
The Civil Service Disciplinary Code, Circular 19/2016 (‘the Code’), applies to all civil servants, including those at and above the level of Principal Officer. The Code operates within the statutory framework established by the Civil Service Regulation Acts 1956–2005, which provide the legal basis for disciplinary measures in the Civil Service.
The Code sets out the arrangements for dealing with disciplinary matters in the Civil Service and ensures that civil servants are aware that, where there is a failure to adhere to the required standards of conduct, work performance or attendance, the disciplinary procedures set out in the Code may apply. The steps in the disciplinary procedure are set out in fully in the Code, which is at the link below.
The responsibility for the management of disciplinary matters up to and including dismissal rests with individual Civil Service departments and offices. Accordingly, responsibility for the administration and recording of such matters rests with the employing organisations concerned.
Where disciplinary matters arise, civil servants are required to engage and comply with the procedures established under the Code. Allegations or concerns regarding the conduct of a civil servant may be considered under the relevant procedures and, where misconduct is established following appropriate investigation and due process, disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the Code.
