Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
126. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel; the number that were employed in that office in each year since 2007; if he is satisfied that the office is working effectively and efficiency; if any reviews have been undertaken to assess any capacity constraints in the office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43214/12]
View answerThere is currently a whole-time equivalent of 27.4 permanent staff in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) to draft legislation. Following a recruitment competition, one further staff member is scheduled to join the Office at end-October – bringing the total number of permanent staff in the OPC to 28.4.
The permanent staff complement is augmented as necessary by drafters engaged on a contract basis – presently two such drafters work for the Office, bringing the overall number of staff drafting legislation in the Office to 30.4.
The above figures do not include the administration services staff, which the OPC shares with the Advisory Counsel staff in the Office of the Attorney General.
The number of drafters working in the OPC in each year 2007 - 2011 is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Drafters |
Contract |
|
|
Employed |
Drafters (*) |
Total |
|
|
2007 |
18.6 |
4.41 |
23.01 |
|
2008 |
21.0 |
4.15 |
25.15 |
|
2009 |
23.8 |
5.33 |
29.13 |
|
2010 |
26.8 |
3.07 |
29.87 |
|
2011 |
26.8 |
2.37 |
29.17 |
The numbers and skills of all staff are kept under constant review to ensure that the Office is able to provide the level of drafting services required by the Government. The resources available for drafting have, notwithstanding increasing demands, been able to meet the needs of the Government. I am aware and have publicly acknowledged that this has involved extraordinary efforts on the part of the staff involved.
(*) Whole time equivalent used as the actual number can fluctuate during the year
