2090. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff, whole-time equivalents employed in each agency or regulatory body under his Department’s remit who were considered to be public service personnel in June 2016 and in June 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63460/26]

The number of full-time equivalent (FTE) staff employed in each agency or regulatory body under my department’s remit who were considered to be public service personnel in June 2016 and in June 2026 is set out in the table below:

1During this period the responsibilities of the Pensions Authority increased significantly, particularly arising from its role as the national competent authority under the EU Directive on the activities and supervision of institutions for occupational retirement provision (IORP II Directive). The IORP II Directive was transposed into Irish Law in April 2021.

The Authority sought and received sanction from the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to increase staff numbers to meet these increased responsibilities.

During this period, the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NEARSA) was established under the remit of my Department to administer the new auto enrolment pension system; My FutureFund. However, other than the CEO, staff of NEARSA are employed by my Department.

I trust this clarifies matters.