Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of staff in his Department specifically assigned to monitoring EU policy developments; if these staff are based here or in Brussels; if his Department does not have staff specifically assigned to monitor EU policy developments when last, if ever, were such staff specifically assigned to such a role. [20388/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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At present, there are 30 staff at various grade levels working in my Department who are assigned full-time to monitor EU policy developments. In some cases, the officer's role encompasses both EU and domestic policy developments. I have set out below details of those roles which are most heavily engaged in monitoring EU Policy. A Second Secretary attends Eurogroup and ECOFIN with the Minister and represents Ireland at Economics and Financial Committee (EFC) meetings. This official also holds responsibility for advising the Minister on Irish Budgetary Policy. An Assistant Secretary is responsible for the development of Ireland's budgetary and economic policy and ensuring we meet our obligations under the Stability and Growth Pact, the National Reform Programme and the Euro Plus Pact. He is also involved in developing Ireland's negotiating position in the EU Budget negotiations for 2014-2020.

There are three Principals directly engaged in EU policy through attendance at EFC, Economic Policy Committee (EPC) and Management of the External Programme Compliance Unit. In addition, one Principal has responsibility for monitoring EU Budget developments and co-ordination of Ireland's response to the latest proposals. This involves consultation with a number of other line Departments. The Principal also has responsibility for international financial institutions. There are four Assistant Principals and seven Administrative Officers fully engaged in monitoring EU developments with the EU Budget and at EFC, EPC, Eurogroup and ECOFIN and preparation of the Minister's brief for attendance at EU meetings. Two Principals, three Assistant Principals and two Administrative Officers monitor Financial Services Regulatory and Financial Stability developments at EU level and ensure Irish Financial Regulations and Financial Stability and Crisis Management policies conform to EU standards. They are also involved in other financial services sector responsibilities.

A Principal, an Assistant Principal and an Administrative Officer are directly involved in the examination of the Commission Proposal on the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base, among other duties. Also, one other Principal, an Assistant Principal and an Administrative Officer deal with VAT policy developments at EU level as part of their overall role in the management and development of VAT policy on foot of the Irish budget. In addition, there are other officers who deal with EU tax policy on different tax heads, as needed. With regard to the Permanent Representation, one Principal Officer and three Assistant Principals are on secondment from the Department of Finance in Brussels. They monitor economic, financial services, EU budget and fiscal policy on a daily basis and represent Ireland at various working party meetings. The Deputy will be aware that the Permanent Representation comes under the remit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I am conscious of the importance of being fully informed about EU developments. I believe the staff complement assigned by me to EU related duties reflects the importance placed by me on ensuring all EU policy proposals are rigorously evaluated.