Eamon Ryan
Question:56 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the situation regarding the appointment of a key economic advisor in his Department. [25581/02]
Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.
It may be helpful to the Deputy to set out the position in the Department.
The number of people with third level qualifications in economics on the permanent staff of my Deparment currently stands at around 70. There are 20 people with a qualification in economics serving in the economic section of our budget and economic division, of whom ten have qualifications at masters level, or above.
My Department recruits large numbers of administrative officers each year through the Civil Service Commission. Administrative officers must have a first or second class degree. Where possible, administrative officers with economic qualifications are targeted by my Department. For example, a specific competition for administrative officers with economic qualifications is run by the Civil Service Commission each year.
Serving officers of my Department are encouraged to study economics and other relevant disciplines by means of the refund of fees scheme, which includes repayment of university fees and the provision of paid study leave and examinin ation leave. Some 27 officers in my Department are currently pursuing courses which have one or more modules focusing on economics.
To meet the specific needs of the Department, the training unit has developed, in conjunction with the Institute of Public Administration, a diploma course in economics. Thirty two officers have completed the course to date, and there are 11 officers currently participating in the programme. A further six officers of the Department are attending the Trinity College-Institute of Public Administration joint Masters in Economic Policy Studies programme. Two members of staff graduated from the same programme in 2001.
In addition to the above measures, my Department also has two experienced economists currently on secondment from outside bodies.
I can assure the Deputy that the need for economic expertise in relevant areas of my Department is being fully met.