Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the agencies under his remit who process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48014/09]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number of staff involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48028/09]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of agencies under his remit who have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48044/09]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of agencies under his remit who have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48058/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 to 205, inclusive, together.

There are no state boards, agencies or regulatory bodies operating under the responsibility of my Department. There are however currently three bodies; two Advisory Committees and one Educational Commission, which operate under the aegis of my Department; the Development Education Advisory Committee; the Government Emigrant Services Advisory Committee; and the Fulbright Commission. These bodies do not have any role in regard to the processing of entitlement payments; the carrying out of inspections; collection of payments; or the issuing of licences.

The Development Education Advisory Committee was established in 2003 following the recommendations of the Ireland Aid Review Committee. Its purpose is to advise the Minister, the Minister of State and Irish Aid on development education policy.

The Government Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (previously known as Díon) was set up in 1984 to advise the Government on the welfare of the Irish community in Britain. The Committee's primary role is to advise on the distribution of Government support to voluntary agencies providing front line services and community care to Irish people in Britain.

The Fulbright Commission (The Board of the Ireland – United States Commission for Educational Exchange) finances study, research, teaching and other educational activities between Ireland and the United States of America. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have some statutory obligations in regard to this organisation; including the appointment of four members of the eight-member Commission. While my Department makes an annual grant in aid payment to the Commission, it has statutory autonomy of management and I have no responsibility for the day to day running of the organisation.