Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
224. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the number of vacancies in his Department for Brexit related roles; the expected date for these roles to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38822/17]
View answerThe Department of Finance has been assessing and preparing for the impact of Brexit since well before the referendum on 23 June 2016. Following the result of the UK referendum, work has been intensified across the whole of Government level, including in my own Department, to ensure that Ireland’s interests are protected in the negotiations at EU level and to ensure that Ireland will be in position to mitigate the negative economic impacts arising from Brexit.
In my own Department, a Brexit Unit was established in July 2016, within the EU and International Division, to oversee and coordinate this work and to act as a key liaison point with the Department of the Taoiseach, in particular. This Unit is currently at full operational capacity.
In addition, the Department of Finance staff complement in the Irish Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels has been strengthened. The challenge which we face as a result of Brexit is mainstreamed across all divisions of my Department and this is reflected in business planning.
Brexit issues are mainstreamed into the Department’s work in all areas including economic analysis, financial services and taxation. Brexit issues are being dealt with on a cross department basis and managed through the EU Strategy Committee (at Assistant Secretary level) and a cross-divisional Working Group at Principal level. Brexit is a standing item on the Department’s weekly Executive Board agenda and is mainstreamed across all divisions, something that is reflected in business planning.
