973. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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. [63356/26]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the number of whole-time equivalent staff employed in my Department on 30 June, 2016 was 540. The corresponding figure on 30 June, 2026 was 786. The increase in staffing levels over the ten year period reflects changes in the role of the Department, including in respect of key areas such as public procurement, digitalisation and infrastructure.