Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This issue was discussed previously. I met the Chief Commissioner designate and discussed the budget with her.

I assured her of both my support and that of my Department in respect the commission's budgetary needs. In the budget for 2015, we have included an independent Vote. This means that the money came out of the departmental Vote. People were of the view that the departmental Vote in respect of the equality portfolio had decreased but that is not the case. The difference is that it now comes under a separate heading. The current staffing level is 47 and this will be reviewed as we move forward. The allocation is €6.3 million, which is an increase of €2 million on the figure for 2013. When the commission begins its work, the budget will be kept under review. I am anxious, however, that it will have the funding necessary to allow it to carry out the work which comes within its remit.

When the legislation was debated in the Seanad, we accepted an interesting amendment tabled by the Senator and Senator Zappone which will allow the commission to initiate investigations on a proactive basis if it is of the view that there are issues to be addressed in particular settings. To some degree, the size of the budget will depend on the commission's work programme and how it develops. I reiterate that it will be open to review. I am very confident that the commission's starting position is good in the context of it getting on with its work.