Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1042. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of extra employees to be hired in his Department between now and March 2019 to prepare for a hard Brexit; the specific roles these new employees will take up; the estimated cost of hiring these new employees; the impacts on his Department's expenditure ceilings for 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34668/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s contingency planning for Brexit was initiated well in advance of the UK referendum in June 2016 and there has been a sustained intensification of this work over the last two years. To this end, co-ordination of the whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being taken forward through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
While it remains difficult to fully assess the impact that Brexit will have on my Department from a resource perspective, my officials continue to engage in and monitor the progress of Brexit negotiations. The Deputy may wish to note that my Department has already assigned two additional Assistant Principal Officers to positions within the International Policy Division and the Permanent Representation in Brussels. In respect of any future demands, my Department will ensure that resources are assigned in a timely manner to address any of the matters that may arise in the context of Brexit and which impact on the work and functions of my Department.
