Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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135. To ask the Taoiseach if extra staff have been employed or redeployed in the EU section in his Department. [5331/19]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The EU section of my Department assists me in my role as a member of the European Council, and in my other EU and international engagements. It also advises me on EU policy matters and works to ensure a coherent whole of Government approach.

The section provides advice and briefing relating to my EU related engagements, including meetings of the European Council and other EU summits, bilateral engagements with Heads of Government of EU member states and other countries and EU affairs more generally. The section also works closely with other relevant departments, notably the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

A Second Secretary General, who also acts as the Irish Sherpa for EU business, including Brexit issues, heads my Department's International, EU and Northern Ireland Division.

Within this Division, the EU section specifically is comprised of 12 posts, including an Assistant Secretary General.

Staffing resources are kept under ongoing review in line with business needs.