John Bruton
Question:12 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the total number of staff serving in his Department; the reason for any changes in numbers since 1 January 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15236/99]
Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.
There are currently 169.5 staff serving in my Department. This figure does not include officers serving in organisations under the aegis of my Department or on secondment to other Departments or bodies.
Since January 1999, there have been 26 appointments. Almost half were assigned to the clerical officer grade to fill outstanding vacancies which arose in 1998. The remaining appointments, at both clerical and administrative level, were in respect of vacancies which existed due to resignations, secondments, transfers and staff opting for career breaks or job-sharing and the appointment of two additional administrative staff in the IT division.