I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 224 together.
I have taken a reference date of 1 April 2010 for full implementation of the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) as this would take account of all cases in which deferred retirements have been agreed. 5.6 staff (whole-time equivalent — WTE) at Principal level or higher have to date applied for the ISER.
The number of officials at Principal level and higher in my Department at 1 May 2009 was 79.70 (WTE), which includes 2 officers at Principal level working outside the Department. The number expected to be in my Department following full implementation of the ISER is unlikely to exceed 71.10 (WTE), which represents 12.7% of the likely total number of staff in my Department at the reference date. It should be noted, however, that the number expected to be on the staff of the Department will be determined by a number of factors including ISERs and normal age retirements of staff.