asked the Taoiseach if his Department is participating in the lateral mobility scheme allowing staff to move at the same level both (a) between Departments of State and (b) to and from outside bodies; if not, the reason; and, if so, the number of his staff who have so far availed themselves of the scheme to move to and from (a) other Departments and (b) outside bodies.
Written Answers. - Lateral Mobility Scheme.
409.
The lateral mobility scheme includes provision for transfers with international public sector organisations and under the programme for the exchange of officials between the Commission of the European Communities and the member states, a Commission official has been seconded to my Department. Consideration is being given to the secondment of an officer from my Department to the Commission. My Department will continue to participate in the lateral mobility scheme as and when suitable opportunities arise.