276 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the staffing level of Cork County Council; the breakdown by job description within Cork County Council; if there is an optimal number of outside staff and general operatives considered essential to maintain services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11731/10]

Based on its returns to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government at 31 December 2009, the present staffing level of Cork County Council is 2,364 whole time equivalent staff. Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. The matters raised in the question are, accordingly, appropriately determined at local level.