Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number employed in her Department; the amount expended on their salaries and its percentage of overall Departmental spending from a value for money perspective; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22357/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The whole time equivalent number of staff employed in my Department at the end of September 2007 was 592.92. This figure includes staff employed in: my Department, including the Office of the Minister for Children, the General Register Office, the Adoption Board, Office of the Ombudsman for Children, Office of the Disability Appeals Officer.

My Department estimates that €36.163 million will be spent on salaries, wages and other allowances during 2007. This figure represents 3.5% of the total Vote for my Department and the Office of the Minister for Children. My Department is constantly reviewing and monitoring such costs in order to ensure that the best value for money is obtained. Change management initiatives are on-going in order to continue to meet the modernisation and flexibility agenda required of my Department. This is specifically encompassed by the Partnership Agreement Towards 2016.