Public sector jobs - Retired but re-employed

It was probably inevitable that the exodus from the public service over recent years would mean the loss of vital skills.

That this necessitated rehiring some of those who had quit, been paid lump sums and were enjoying pensions suggests the programme should have been more selective. These people are, in a sense, being paid twice for the one job. Only those who could have been replaced from within should have been allowed leave.

Today we report that the HSE spent over €3m last year to bring 120 ex-employees back — including three who were re-employed a day after retiring.