I propose to take Questions Nos. 1047 and 1048 together.
A total of fifteen staff were seconded out of my Department during 2014. Five of the fifteen were seconded to the Department of Foreign Affairs to serve in the Permanent Representation Office to the European Union in Brussels, Belgium.
During 2014 six new staff were recruited to my Department. Four of the six were to grades of a safety critical nature and the two remaining were to identified specialist skills grades.
In relation to the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department I have asked the agencies to provide the Deputy with the information requested. If you do not receive a reply from the agencies within ten working days please advise my private office.