Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 April 2017
95. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach if there is a senior official with designated responsibility for Brexit matters in his Department; if so, the grade of the designated official; the funding allocated to the said Brexit unit; the cost to date; and the anticipated cost. [17009/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra96. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the number of staff deployed full time in his Department in respect of Brexit; and if there is a designated section or unit to deal with Brexit. [17025/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
I have restructured my Department to ensure that Brexit is treated as a crucial cross-cutting issue, by creating an amalgamated International, EU and Northern Ireland Division, under a Second Secretary General who also acts as the Government's Sherpa for EU business, including Brexit. The work of this Division includes supporting the Cabinet Committee on Brexit and the Cabinet Committee on European Affairs. There are 31 staff assigned to this Division. Staff in other divisions, notably the Economic Policy Division, also contribute to the work on Brexit.
My Department has also availed of the specialist expertise and knowledge required to respond to the challenges associated with Brexit through the secondment of personnel from semi-State bodies and the private sector to strengthen its capacity in this area.
Costs associated with Brexit were factored into my Department’s 2017 Revised Estimate provision which stands at €36.7 million. Resources allocated to Brexit in my Department are kept under ongoing review.
