Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 5

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Billy Timmins

Question:

234 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff employed by the Ministers of State at his Department; the role and function of each; the cumulative annual wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30019/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen):

The following table sets out the numbers, functions and salary costs of the staff assigned to the private and constituency offices of the Ministers of State, Deputies Tom Kitt and Dick Roche:

Minister of State Deputy Tom Kitt	Minister of State Deputy Dick Roche
1 EO	Private Secretary	1 HEO	Private Secretary
1 Personal Assistant	Constituency work	1 Personal Assistant	Private office duties
1 Personal Secretary	Confidential typing duties
1 Staff Officer	Private office administration	1 Executive Officer	Constituency office administration
1 Staff Officer	Constituency office administration
2 Clerical Officers	Private office clerical duties	3 Clerical Officers	Private office clerical duties
3 Clerical Officers	Constituency office clerical duties	2 Clerical Officers	Constituency office clerical duties
2 Civilian Drivers	Driving duties	2 Civilian Drivers	Driving duties
Total annual salary costs	€366,000	Total annual salary costs	€290,000

Billy Timmins

Question:

235 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of personnel employed by his Department; the breakdown by county and number of the locations of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30176/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen):

The Department of Foreign Affairs currently employs 1,615 diplomatic, general service and technical staff at its headquarters in Dublin and in its missions abroad. That number includes 75 officers temporarily assigned to the Department in connection with Ireland's forthcoming EU Presidency. Of the total, 69 officers are assigned to the passport office in Cork city.