Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 322: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and names of organisations or agencies under his auspices which have been amalgamated or eliminated due to budgetary measures; the estimated savings in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42224/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that, as part of budget 2009, the following measures were agreed for my Department under the heading of rationalisation of State Agencies. The Equality Authority and the Human Rights Commission will fully integrate their facilities, back office and administrative services and access for citizens. The National Crime Council will be abolished. The Censorship of Publications Board and its appeals board will be amalgamated with the Irish Film Classification Office. The office of the Minister for integration will cease funding the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism and its functions will be absorbed into his office in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to be administered directly by it.

My Department is proceeding with the implementation of these decisions in consultation with the Department of Finance. However, it is too early at this stage to provide the specific information requested by the Deputy in respect of all the savings that will accrue when that process is completed. However, I can confirm immediate savings of just over €1 million in respect of the decisions in relation to the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism and the National Crime Council. I can also say for the Deputy's information that savings of €11 million will be made next year across agencies associated with my Department by the introduction of economies, elimination of consultancies and spending on public relations.