Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The total approved staffing complement for the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, ODCE, has already been increased this year from 37 to 41 posts. A further increase of four posts is planned to take place by the end of the year. The recruitment process in this regard is under way. In addition, I understand the director is pursuing with the Garda Commissioner the possibility of additional Garda staff. The possibility of further increases in the staffing of the ODCE in 2008 and beyond will be examined in the context of Government policy in respect of public service numbers.

The pre-budget Estimates for 2008, published on 18 October by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, provide for an increase of 3% in the allocation to the ODCE. Any further increases in the office's financial allocations will be subject to review by my Department in consultation with the Department of Finance.

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