Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 5

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

109 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the estimated number of civil servants who will transfer Departments as a result of the changes announced by the Taoiseach in Dáil Éireann on 6 June 2002; the total estimated cost of the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14509/02]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

116 Mr Quinn asked the Minister for Finance, in regard to the changes in the allocation of responsibilities among Departments announced on 6 June 2002, when this process is expected to be completed; the number of civil servants who will transfer to different Departments as a result; the total estimated cost involved in the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13230/02]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 116 together.

On 18 June 2002 the Government approved a total of 15 orders to give effect to the changes in titles and responsibilities of Ministers and Departments announced by the Taoiseach on 6 June 2002. Further orders are required to com plete these changes and these will be presented to Government as soon as possible.

An estimated 1,950 civil servants are to be transferred in light of the reallocation of ministerial responsibilities recently announced by the Taoiseach. On top of this, an additional tranche of staff involved in support activity – personnel, finance, IT, etc – will also be involved in the transfer of functions.

The reorganisation of Departments, while neutral in terms of staff costs, will almost certainly involve consequential changes in forms and stationery, etc., used by Departments which will fall to be met from within existing voted expenditure.