Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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78. To ask the Taoiseach the estimated cost of hiring additional Brexit staff in his Department; and the cost by grade. [50914/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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My Department has an International, EU and Northern Ireland Division headed by a Second Secretary General, who also acts as the Sherpa for EU business, including Brexit issues. The staff resources for the Division vary from time to time but currently amount to approximately 25 wholetime equivalent posts across the full range of policy areas.

The work of the Division includes supporting the work of Cabinet Committee C, which deals with EU affairs, including Brexit, and supports me in my role as a member of the European Council. In particular, this Cabinet Committee assists the Government in its ongoing consideration of Brexit issues including input to the negotiation process, both on the issues that are of unique or particular concern to Ireland, and more generally.

The Division prepares me for engagement on a wide range of EU issues, as well as the debate on the future of Europe, and supports efforts to develop our strategic alliances in a post-Brexit scenario.

The Division also provides advice and support to me in relation to Northern Ireland Affairs and British Irish relations, and Brexit issues in that context.

Staff in other divisions also contribute to the work on Brexit. For example the Economic Division advises me on economic policy aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth, with a particular focus on jobs and competitiveness including possible economic impacts of Brexit.

My Department also works closely with other relevant Departments including, in particular, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which has lead responsibility for Brexit.

The Department’s staffing needs are reviewed on an ongoing basis and provision has been made in the Department’s 2018 administrative budget should additional resources be required.