Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 October 2012
78. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there is a North South Co-operation unit in his Department; the number of staff working in the North South Co-operation unit; the number of staff who have worked in the North South Co-operation unit in each year since 2007. [46622/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was established in July 2011 and the unit dealing with the North South programme policy transferred from the Department of Finance at that time. There are currently 3 staff members (1 Principal, 1 Assistant Principal and 1 Higher Executive Officer) in my Department working on North/South related matters as established under the Good Friday Agreement. In addition, these staff members are also responsible for other areas of work i.e. EU Structural Funds and EU Presidency coordination. Prioritisation of resource allocation in my Department is conducted on an ongoing basis with reference to the Department’s business needs objectives and the level of expenditure available from which to meet those objectives. In this context, I am satisfied that the particular area of work has and will continue to be adequately resourced.
