I will only take one supplementary question from Deputy Kenny on Question No. 9 as we are running short of time.
Ceisteanna – Questions. - Nally Report.
Enda Kenny
Ceist:9 Mr. Kenny asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the implementation of the Nally report on re-organisation of the Chief State Solicitor's Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13155/02]
The Nally report contained two recommendations specifically relating to the re-organisation of the Chief State Solicitor's Office. One recommended that, subject to agreement on adequate staffing levels and appropriate staff structures, the criminal division of the CSSO should be transferred to the Office of the Direc tor of Public Prosecutions to form a unit headed by a solicitor to the DPP, with statutory clarification that its professional staff would be professional staff of the DPP within the meaning of the Prosecution of Offences Act, 1974.
The second recommended that responsibility for the local State solicitors should be transferred from the Attorney General to the DPP, with legislative provision to enable the DPP to delegate to them.
Following intensive negotiations with staff interests, agreement was reached on the transfer of responsibility for criminal prosecution work to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The formal transfer took place on 3 December 2001 and in January of this year the staff involved moved into new premises at Upper Abbey Street, Dublin 1.
The transfer of responsibility for the State solicitor service will require legislation and my Department is in discussions with the Department of Finance with a view to advancing this.
How many members of staff were transferred to the DPP's office under its criminal division? When will there be a conclusion to discussions on the transfer of staff to the Office of the Attorney General?
Will legislation be introduced in this session to bring about the transfer or will it be done in the absence of legislation?
There is an overall staff of several hundred. During the negotiations an increase of 75 was agreed, including 66 in the professional and technical staffing complement in both solicitors' offices. The recruitment campaign has commenced and some, if not most, of the staff are already employed. There were confined competitions for serving contract staff who were already working in the area. Some 52 additional professional members of staff were appointed in both offices. That represented a 56% increase on the existing staffing level. Some 14 additional technical members of staff were appointed. That represented a 31% increase on the existing staffing level. There were nine senior technical posts and there were other changes in grades. On the clerical side, there were changes in the number of staff officer and executive officer posts. A large increase in staff was agreed as part of the transfer of the section to the DPP along with the physical movement of the office to its new location.
In answer to Deputy Howlin's question, I understand discussions on that matter have commenced. I do not think it can happen without legislation.
Before moving to Priority Questions, I would like to draw the attention of the House to the fact that there are 1,736 questions on the Order Paper today, which I believe is a record for this House. I am sure the House will join with me in paying tribute to all those involved both in the Departments and in the Houses of the Oireachtas in processing the questions and preparing the Order Paper.
They have had three months to do it.
That is not a very nice anti-worker comment.