asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of companies which have failed to file returns under company legislation; if he has satisfied himself that staffing levels in the Companies Office are adequate to cope with their additional responsibilities under recent company legislation; if his attention has been drawn to he fact that the Companies Office has had to curtail its services by closing much of its services at lunch time and ceasing to provide a telephone service; if it is intended to provide additional staff and resources, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Company Returns.
58.
The number of companies which have not filed up-to-date annual returns is 57,924.
With regard to staffing levels in the Companies Office the Deputy will know that control of public service costs is a key factor in this Government's economic strategy. The Department of Industry and Commerce, along with other Government Department are therefore subject to the current embargo on the recruitment of staff and the filling of vacancies. As a result, my Department have suffered a reduction in staffing levels which has impacted across all sections of the Department, including the Companies Registration Office.
In his last budget speech, the Minister for Finance referred to the fact that the reduction in staffing made it imperative that the public service be organised and managed in the most efficient way. In keeping with this statement, the management of the Companies Office are continually reviewing existing procedures, including the installation of new technology.