322 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Civil Service staff in her Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a postgraduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48316/09]

There were 485.88 Whole Time Equivalents employed in my Department at 31st December 2009. As of now my Department's records do not include the information requested by the Deputy. However, my Department will shortly commence a comprehensive survey of all qualifications held by staff the results of which will be regularly updated. This information will inform future staff assignments and staff development programmes.