Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Deputy is correct in his assumption. The programme for Government is quite clear in regard to the reduction of the size of the Department of the Taoiseach:

We will reduce the size of the Department of An Taoiseach, transforming it into the equivalent of a Cabinet Office that oversees the delivery of a new Programme for Government.

At the end of January this year, 189 staff were employed in my Department and at the end of May, 166 were employed. Sections and posts in my Department which had been engaged in work that now comes within the responsibility of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have transferred to that Department. Arrangements are being made for the transfer of some support staff. The total number of staff involved is approximately 25. There will be further restructuring of my Department following the forthcoming appointment of a new second Secretary General post.

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