I propose to take Questions Nos. 143, 147, 148 and 151 together.
Following on the announcement by An Taoiseach of changes to the configuration of the Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Social Protection the process of identifying the functional areas, staff and resources that will transfer from my Department has begun. This is being done in accordance with the Transfer of Functions Guidelines and Best Practice Handbook published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in 2016.
When the details have been agreed in consultation with the Department of the Taoiseach, my Department, as the transferring Department, will prepare a draft Transfer of Functions Order which will be settled by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and brought to Government by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Alteration of Title Orders are prepared simultaneously but take effect after the transfer of functions.
Transfer of functions are to be achieved on an Exchequer-neutral basis. However some costs inevitably arise where titles of Departments change or there is a need for physical movement of people or assets.
I expect that publication on my department's website, of the ministerial briefing referred to, will take place in the coming days.
