I propose to take Questions Nos. 1176 and 1177 together.
My Department continually reviews staffing levels in all areas of operation in light of our business needs and delivery of overall Government policy. Within my Department, workforce planning processes are used as a tool to forecast current and future staffing needs and to ensure the right mix of skill sets is in place to deliver our goals.
My Department employs in the region of 3,200 staff across a range of disciplines and works closely with our recruitment partners, the Public Appointments Service to address our on-going recruitment needs in all areas of the Department. Recruitment campaigns are currently in place for all the main disciplines employed in my Department and skill sets can be sourced from these campaigns as required.