Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff in her Department specifically assigned to monitoring EU policy developments; if these staff are based here or in Brussels; if her 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. [20280/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Department does not have staff working exclusively on monitoring EU policy developments. This function is undertaken by the EU/International Section of the Department which is responsible for ensuring that Ireland meets all its international obligations in the social welfare area. This includes monitoring EU developments, as well as taking part in a number of EU-level groups/committees and generally supporting the Department's EU business. As well as the EU, this section covers Ireland's social security responsibilities in relation to bodies such as the Council of Europe and the ILO and the various bilateral social security agreements it has negotiated with non-EU countries. The section is based in Dublin and is at present staffed by 6.4 posts. In addition, the Department has one member of staff seconded to the Department of Foreign Affairs and based in Brussels dealing with EU matters in the area of social affairs.