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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 13 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

67 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff engaged in Ireland Aid; the rank and status of each, whether permanent or non-permanent; the number that have transferred to Development Co-operation Ireland; the number recruited in the past two years; the number projected to be recruited between now and the achievement of the UN goals in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26706/03]

Earlier this year, I announced a change of name for the Government's development co-operation programme. Formerly known as Ireland Aid, it is now called Development Co-operation Ireland. However, the management and staffing arrangements remain unchanged. The same staff in the Department of Foreign Affairs continues to administer the programme.

Development Co-operation Ireland's staff complement has increased by 30 posts over the past two years. It currently stands at 148, comprising 94 permanent posts and 54 contract posts. In addition, a number of staff are employed locally by embassies in our programme countries to assist with programme implementation and monitoring, accounting and audit functions and the provision of security and other support services. Staffing levels for the programme will be kept under review as the budget for Ireland's development co-operation programme expands.

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