Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The programme for Government indicates that the size of the Department of the Taoiseach will be reduced. As I stated, a number of staff will transfer to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. There are 20 people working in that area, and that is in addition to the previously planned reductions in the staffing of the Department in any event.

The Government made a decision at its meeting last week that in respect of Minister's private offices, there would be a reduction from a maximum of ten to a maximum of eight people engaged. In respect of Minister's constituency offices there would be a reduction from a maximum of six to a maximum of four people engaged. In the private offices of a Minister of State, the maximum of seven people would be reduced to a maximum of five; in a Minister of State's constituency office, the maximum of five people would be reduced to a maximum of three. Where a Minister of State is assigned to two Departments, the maximum would be reduced from nine to seven. These changes will be put in effect.

The other person mentioned by the Deputy was a press officer for the Progressive Democrats and was covered in remuneration by the Department of the Taoiseach. That person is no longer an adviser on health or politics.

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