Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2010
241 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount he anticipates that his Department will spend on converting Department titles on websites, headed paper, application forms, information booklets, wall charts and so on as a result of the recent changes in several Department titles; the length of time this will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18649/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, as part of the restructuring of Departments and agencies announced by the Taoiseach in Dáil Éireann on 23 March last to ensure greater coherence and produce more efficient delivery, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs will become the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and will incorporate responsibility for social inclusion policy and family policy from the Department of Social and Family Affairs and for equality, disability, integration and human rights from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
The formal transfer of responsibility for social inclusion policy and family policy from the Department of Social and Family Affairs to my own Department has now taken place and an Order has been made in this regard. The Order cites that my Department has responsibility for these functions with effect from 1 May 2010.
In relation to the transfer of responsibility for equality, disability, integration and human rights from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, my Department is continuing to liaise with the relevant Departments on this matter. I expect the formal transfer of these functions and consequent administrative and other arrangements arising on foot of the transfer of responsibilities to be finalised shortly.
In relation to the specific query regarding the costs associated with converting my Department's title on websites, headed paper, application forms, information booklets, wall charts and so on as a result of the recent changes, no such costs have arisen as the title of my Department has not formally changed as yet. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that at present it is not possible to provide the details requested by him in relation to the costs associated with renaming my Department. I can confirm to the Deputy, however, that all stationery currently held by my Department will be used to the greatest extent feasible. I have also directed my officials to ensure that any costs arising due to the name change of my Department are kept to a minimum and met from within existing resources.
