‘Exchange’ plan for public sector staff

Public service workers will be able to take career breaks and get paid employment in the private sector for up to three years under a new scheme.

The head of the Department of Public Expenditure said plans are also developing to get private companies to take over the role of some agencies and services in the public sector.

Robert Watt, department secretary general, criticised management in the public service and said more needed to be done to address gaps at leadership levels.