Brexit Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2018

Wednesday, 7 February 2018

Ceisteanna (321)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

321. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional budget for 2018 or other years provided to her Department and all agencies and bodies within her remit to plan or prepare for Brexit; the number of additional staff that have been recruited to work on this policy area in each body, agency and her Department; the number of dedicated staff planning and working on Brexit matters in each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6318/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

A Working Group, chaired at Assistant Secretary level and composed of officials from across the Department, was established last year to deal with Brexit issues. This Working Group is supported by the Department's Corporate Governance and Coordination Unit which is also responsible for coordinating the response to Brexit related issues within the remit of my Department.

My Department also has a full time dedicated attaché assigned to Ireland's Permanent Representation in Brussels. This officer is a member of the Department’s Working Group and is also fully involved in the preparations by Ireland’s diplomatic team in Brussels.

These arrangements are met from within existing resources and will be kept under review and enhanced as required.