Vol. 571 No. 3
204 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of staff employed by his Department; the bodies within its aegis which are covered by the benchmarking agreement; the projected costs in 2004 of paying this award; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21647/03]
My Department currently employs 748 staff. The non-commercial bodies under the aegis of the Department which are covered by the benchmarking agreement are: the central and seven regional fisheries boards; the Marine Institute; the Broadcasting Commission; the Broadcasting Complaints Commission; Bord Iascaigh Mhara; and Sustainable Energy Ireland. The projected cost of paying the benchmarking award to staff of the Department in 2004 is €1.617 million. The projected cost of paying benchmarking awards in the bodies concerned will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
