474. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will expedite the provision of a sanction to Donegal ETB in respect of replacing the head of human resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36680/26]

My Department provides each ETB with an administrative and maintenance staffing allocation and associated pay budget to support its individual ETB schools and head office. It is the responsibility of each ETB to recruit and manage staffing levels within this allocation, including the assignment of such staff to the different functional areas in the ETB in accordance with the needs and priorities of the organisation. In line with the position across the public sector generally, every ETB must also operate within overall approved staffing and pay budgets for its administrative and maintenance staff.

My Department has received a request from the ETB concerned for sanction to replace an Assistant Principal Officer. A response will issue as soon as possible to this request.