2786. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine 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. [63342/26]

The number of staff, whole-time equivalents employed in my Department at end June 2016 was 3146.

The number of staff, whole-time equivalents employed at end June 2026 was 4101.

This increase reflects additional responsibilities across a range of areas, and in particular the additional staffing needed to manage import controls at border control posts and export certification requirements for Irish food exports following the UK’s exit from the European Union.