206. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment 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. [63345/26]

I can confirm to the Deputy the number of staff, whole-time equivalents employed in my Department on 30 June 2016 and 30 June 2026 is as set out in the table below.

The figures above are inclusive of staff on secondments and career breaks.

I would highlight to the Deputy that my Department has undergone a number of significant increases and decreases in staffing numbers due to several transfers of functions and associated staff between Departments in the time period concerned.