Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills 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. [20386/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department's involvement in EU education and training issues is co-ordinated by its International Section, which is based in Dublin. At present, the duties of some two staff members of that section include a substantial involvement in monitoring EU policy developments and co-ordinating the processing of reporting requirements, dissemination of information and handling of requests and enquiries from EU institutions. In addition, one member of the staff of the Department is seconded as Education Attaché to Ireland's Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels. The duties of the Education Attaché also include a substantial involvement in monitoring and reporting on EU policy developments, particularly in the education and training area.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform 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. [20279/11]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The following issues of European relevance fall under my responsibility: * Policy development, management and implementation of Ireland's EU Structural Funds Programmes under the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) including co-ordination of all EU Funds and promoting Ireland's interest in the debate on future EU Cohesion policy; * Representation of Ireland in eGovernment/ICT related activities at EU level, including the Interoperability Solutions for European Public Administrations (ISA) EU programme 2010-2015 and participation in the EU Commission's eGovernment Benchmarking Exercise; * Participation in the EU Working Group on Staff Regulations – effectively the pay and conditions of EU officials, which is up for renewal next year; * Participation in the European Public Administration network (EUPAN) - EUPAN is an informal network of the Directors General responsible for public administration in the Member States of the European Union and the European Commission.

Currently, there are 1 Principal, 4 Assistant Principals, 2 Higher Executive Officers, 2 Executive Officers and 1 Clerical Officer dealing with EU Structural Funds Policy. In addition, 2 Assistant Principals, 1 Administrative Officer and 1 Executive Officer who, as part of their brief, also deal with EU policies relating to eGovernment and associated programmes. 1 Assistant Principal is involved in work on the Group Statut which requires attendance at approximately 12 meetings in Brussels/Luxembourg each year. All staff dealing with EU related issues are based in Dublin.