Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 6

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Michael Bell

Question:

27 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of staff in his Department in each category for each of the past five years; the percentage increase or decrease in each category for the same period; if he has satisfied himself that the level of staffing is adequate to implement the BIM Seafood Industry Agenda 2000-2006 without a programme of recruitment and training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12198/99]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

The numbers of staff serving in my Department, together with the percentage increases or decreases, for each of the past five years are as follows:

Year	Administrative	% Change	Professional andTechnical	% Change	Total	% Change
19991998199719961995	(April) 250250.5246.5177177	–+2+39––	154152152119119	+1–+27––	404402.5398.5269269	–+1+35––

The large increase in staff numbers in 1997 was due primarily to the transfer to the Department of the Forest Service functions of the former Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the exploration, mining and petroleum affairs divisions of the former Department of Transport, Energy and Communications. Also, in addition to the above staffing complements, a further ten EU funded sea fisheries officers were appointed to the Department's sea fisheries control division in that year.

The overall level of staffing of the Department and the allocation of staff as between the many different functions discharged by the Department are a matter of ongoing review. I can assure the Deputy that the staffing needs of those divisions concerned with the fishing sector generally will be given due priority.