Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 February 2015
169. Deputy James Bannon asked the Taoiseach the number of staff currently employed in the Attorney General's office engaged in the drafting of legislation; if he is satisfied that there is sufficient staff and resources available to the office to facilitate the prompt and efficient drafting of the outstanding legislation in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4374/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently the equivalent of 29.6 staff employed to draft legislation in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel which is a constituent part of the Office of the Attorney General. Two additional staff members are scheduled to join the Office in the next few weeks and one further candidate will be called from a recruitment panel to fill a recent vacancy. This will bring the total to 32.6 wholetime equivalent drafting staff. These drafting staff are supported by clerical and research staff as well as the usual range of administration services.
The numbers and skills of all staff are kept under constant review to ensure that the Office is able to provide the level of drafting services required by the Government. The resources available for drafting have, notwithstanding the increasing demands, been able to meet the needs of the Government.
