John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is the first time Mr. Watt has appeared before us with his officials to discuss the Vote and the various chapters from the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General. It is interesting to see how the Department works and responds to the other Departments, because there is usually an official from your Department at our meetings every week.

I have some questions about the commencement of the Department and so forth. How much does it cost to split a Department? What was the cost of splitting the Department? Is all of your office space in the Department of Finance and does the Department have any offices outside? How many staff are there? Perhaps you would discuss that cost.