2086. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff, whole-time equivalents employed in his Department on 30 June 2016 and 30 June 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63358/26]

The number of staff, whole-time equivalents employed in the Department of Social Protection on 30 June 2016 and 30 June 2026 is set out in the table below:

The figures above include both permanent staff and Temporary Clerical Officers employed on the dates specified.

The Department's staff are located across the State in the provision of services including income support, community welfare and employment services. The Department continues to keep its staffing requirements under review to ensure that appropriate resources are available for the effective delivery of services to the public.

As part of the annual budgetary process, the Department engages with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitilisation regarding the staffing resources and pay budget required for each year. The Department reviews its requirements with regard to ongoing service provision, legislative changes, Government priorities, digitalisation and increases in claimloads and demand for our income and employment services.

The Department has produced a Strategic Workforce Plan this year which will enable planning for both current and longer terms needs of the Department regarding not only numbers of staff required but also the skills needed, now and into the future to ensure we continue to deliver excellent public services.

I trust this clarifies the matter.