Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am advised by the Attorney General that there are currently 27 permanent and three contract staff in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel engaged in drafting legislation. I am sure the Deputy is aware that there is a large increase in the demand for legislation arising from the current Government legislation programme, including the significant work required on sensitive and urgent EU-IMF-related legislation. In addition, a considerable amount of the legislation produced is technical and complicated, and requires a great deal of legal advice and sharing of different iterations of drafts with Departments to ensure Government policy is properly reflected in the final draft.

The resources available for drafting have, notwithstanding the increasing demands, been able to meet the needs of the Government. However, the complement of staff in the office is kept under constant review. I am informed that, following such a review, a business case has recently been submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in regard to the office's needs over the coming 18 to 24 months. Discussions have been held with the Department and a response to those discussions is expected shortly.

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