There are 10.5 civil servants assigned to my private office. The grades of the staff are as follows: Higher Executive Officer (Private Secretary) 1; Executive Officer 2; Staff Officer 0.5; Clerical Officer 4. These staff provide general secretarial services for the office. The main functions of the office include: monitoring and co-ordination of replies to representations; telephone calls; arranging the ministerial itinerary and programme of engagements, including protocol aspects; preparation of speech material, briefing notes, etc. for official engagements, meetings, Adjournment debates, Private Members' business, etc.; co-ordination of ministerial Cabinet papers; and assisting with day-to-day parliamentary duties.
I am currently finalising arrangements in relation to my own personal staff for my office and I will be in touch with the Deputy very shortly when this process is concluded.