I propose to take Questions Nos. 157, 158, 159 and 160 together.
Any proposal for additional staffing resources in a Department is subject to consideration in accordance with agreed procedures. These procedures operate on the basis that, in the first instance, the onus rests with the Department concerned to rigorously explore all alternatives within its own resources. The next step involves an administrative staff audit by the Department of Finance. This audit examines all relevant matters.
My Department has made a submission to the Department of Finance for extra staff in accordance with these procedures and discussions with Finance officials are ongoing. It would not be appropriate at this stage to comment in detail on the submission or to speculate on the outcome of the process.