537 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil service staff in his Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a post graduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48317/09]

There are currently 2,207 staff serving in my Department and agencies staffed by it. This includes staff in the Probation Service (424) and the Forensic Science Laboratory (97), the majority of whom are qualified professionals in their respective fields. The Department also employs a number of lawyers, accountants etc. whose qualifications and skills are relevant to their particular responsibilities.

Departmental records indicate that 40 staff have disclosed third level qualifications in economics.