I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 156 together.
The Department of the Taoiseach does not have a North South Cooperation Unit as such. The Northern Ireland Section which has been in existence in the Department for many years continues to support me on all matters relevant to Northern Ireland and plays an important role in co-ordinating matters relating to North South Co-operation across Departments.
The work of the Section is overseen by an Assistant Secretary and is currently staffed by one Principal Officer; one Assistant Principal (whole time equivalent); one Administrative Officer; one Higher Exective Officer and one Clerical Officer. There are no current vacancies in this Section.
Details of the staff levels from the year 2007 -2011 are included in the table below
Year
|
No. of Staff (W.T.E.)
|
2007
|
6
|
2008
|
6.4
|
2009
|
8
|
2010
|
7.9
|
2011
|
7.9
|