725 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs 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 post graduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48318/09]

There are currently 4,733 posts (5,078 people) employed in the Department. The scheme is primarily aimed at Graduate and Post-Graduate levels.