Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Nov 1997

Vol. 483 No. 4

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Derek McDowell

Question:

46 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the numbers employed in his Department for each of the years from 1993 to 1997; the projected figure for 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20559/97]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The number of staff serving in my Deparmtent for each of the years 1993 to 1997, as at 1 January of each year, is as follows: 1993, 4,105; 1994, 4,202; 1995, 4,312.5; 1996, 4,415.5; 1997, 4,268.

There were 4,195 staff serving in my Department as at 1 November, 1997, of which over 800 are located in 4 decentralised offices in Sligo, Letterkenny, Longford and Waterford and a further 2,000 based in various local offices throughout the country.

The staffing levels in the Department are reviewed, from time to time, as the need arises to ensure that the work requirements of the organisation are met as effectively and efficiently as possible, having regard to Government policy on public sector numbers. It is anticipated that the staffing level during 1988 will be of the same order as that applying in 1997.