Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

On the last matter raised by the Deputy, there has been close liaison between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the investigating authorities and obviously they are a matter of major priority. It is in the public interest that they are dealt with as expeditiously as possible. Concern has been raised about the length of time it takes but there is also a necessity to ensure there is due process and that nothing is said or done that would compromise the prospective prosecution of any persons arising from those investigations. Taking all of that into account, there is no reason to believe that these matters will not be given the utmost priority.

In regard to the savings in the Department, the Government, as I said, has already reduced its overall staff numbers by 10% since January 2008 and will continue to reduce numbers, while maintaining services, by a further 2% below the employment control framework target set by the Department of Finance by the end of 2014. That is the reference point for that question.

Since January 2008, some 35 staff have been redeployed to other departments and we will continue to facilitate actively the reallocation of staff to the areas of greatest need in accordance with the redeployment arrangements set out in the Croke Park agreement. The total budget for the Department was reduced between 2008 and 2010 by 31%, including a reduction of 11% in the administration budget. The administration budget Estimate for 2011 has been reduced by 15% over the 2010 Revised Estimate. Further savings over the period of the plan will be achieved through continued efficiencies and procurement practices, greater use of technology and shared services, energy efficiency programmes, the use of central framework agreements and the close monitoring of all expenditure.

Regarding the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, which was referred to by the Deputy, there is a pressing requirement for all public sector organisations to examine critically how they operate and seek to deliver greater efficiencies. Like other public service organisations, the DPP is subject to the decision of the Government to restrict recruitment and promotions. However, the office has taken steps to comply with the Government decision without adversely affecting front line prosecution services.

We will continue to work with officials from the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions and the Department of Finance to ensure the necessary resources continue to be available to the DPP to enable it to fully and effectively discharge its function.

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