To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people were employed in his Department's political directorate at the latest date for which figures are available. (286426)

On 1 July 2009 there were 124 people employed in the political directorate of the Northern Ireland Office.

The political directorate provides parliamentary and private office support to Ministers as well as policy support for the NI political process and other issues including elections, human rights and public inquiries. In preparation for the completion of devolution, the directorate, which will form the core of the future NIO, has also taken management responsibility for relevant corporate services.