Full-time equivalent (FTE) staff numbers in my Department at the end of the years referred to by the Deputy were as follows:
End-Year
|
Total FTE
|
2005
|
4,441
|
2006
|
4,245
|
2007
|
4,300*
|
2008
|
4,245.1
|
2009
|
3,881.0
|
2010
|
3,632.2
|
*The increase in staff numbers in 2007 resulted from the addition of some Fisheries functions and associated staff to the Department's remit during that year.
To date, nearly 500 requests for estimates of retirement benefits have been received in the Pensions Section of my Department since early January 2011. Approximately 71 staff under 65 years have retired or will retire in 2011. To date, a further 26 staff have formally indicated their intention of retiring in January 2012 and February 2012. These numbers do not include a number of staff retiring on age regulations.