686 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism 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 postgraduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48307/09]

As at 31 December 2009, there was a total of 162 staff members serving in the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, including the National Archives. As the Department does not have any sanctioned economist posts, a qualification in economics is not a prerequisite for staff serving in the Department. Accordingly, while the Department is aware that at least 3 members of staff have economics degrees, it is not possible to say how many staff in total have such qualifications.