andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development the net additional direct cost to the Exchequer on an annual basis of the creation of his Department; and if he will indicate the basis upon which their cost is calculated.
Written Answers. - Economic Planning and Development Ministry.
297.
A large element of the net additional direct cost to the Exchequer of the creation of the proposed Department of Economic Planning and Development will be made up of staff salaries and overheads. A number of the posts to be created in the new Department already exist in the Department of Finance and it is planned to transfer the staff holding those posts, together with their functions, to the Department of Economic Planning and Development on its creation. Discussions are still proceeding about the transfer of such staff and functions and, in the circumstances, it is not possible to give a figure for the net additional direct cost to the Exchequer of the creation of the new Department.
298.
andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development the number, grade and purpose of posts created in his Department to date; and the number, grade and purpose of posts likely to be created in the next 12 months.
No posts can be created for the proposed Department of Economic Planning and Development pending its establishment under statute.
In answer to a previous question (12th October, 1977) I gave details of staff assigned on loan, on a full time basis, to the Office of the Minister for Economic Planning and Development. As regards number, grade and purpose of posts likely to be created over the next 12 months, this will be determined on experience of the working needs of the proposed Department.
299.
andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development the number, grade and purpose of posts which will be suppressed in other Departments or State supported agencies by virtue of the transfer of functions to his Department.
Discussions are still proceeding in regard to the transfer of staff and functions from the Department of Finance to the proposed Department of Economic Planning and Development. Pending completion of these discussions it is not possible to give the information requested by the Deputies with regard to suppression of posts.