Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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284. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an estimate for the cost of establishing a dedicated Department of housing, with a full Cabinet Member as Minister over such a Department. [25054/15]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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In response to the Deputies question I can confirm that the allocation of responsibilities and the composition of Departments is a matter for the Taoiseach.  The cost of a hypothetical Department of Housing would depend on the size and scope of such an organisation, as well as the role and functions that might be assigned.  With regard to the current structures and costs for the housing function in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, the Minister for that Department might be best positioned to provide estimated costs for a new Department.