Eamon Gilmore
Question:179 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the number of staff employed in his office for the protection of the environment; the grades they are at; and the functions performed by this office.
Written Answers. - Departmental Staff Numbers.
The functions of the Office for the Protection of the Environment correspond generally to those delegated to Deputy Harney, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, in accordance with the provisions of the Environment (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) Order, 1989, (S.I. No. 270 of 1989). There is a total staff of 34 engaged, mainly full-time, in the discharge of these functions, including staff in the general service grades ranging from clerical assistant to assistant secretary, as well as professional staff at assistant chief engineering adviser and inspector, grade I, level. Professional expertise is also provided, as required, by such bodies as the Environmental Research Unit, Eolas and the Meteorological Service.