To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much the Hamill Inquiry has spent on IT since its inception. (325501)

I am advised by the Robert Hamill Inquiry that it has spent £6.35 million on information technology since its inception.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much the Hamill Inquiry has spent on IT consultants since its inception. (325502)

I am advised by the Robert Hamill Inquiry that it has spent £942,000 on IT consultants since its inception.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the budget is of the press office for the Hamill Inquiry in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11. (325503)

I am advised by the Robert Hamill Inquiry that the budget of the press office for the inquiry in financial year 2009-10 is £57,509 and in financial year 2010 it is £21,387.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people the Hamill Inquiry has employed in each role in each month since its inception. (325505)

From November 2004 there have been two civil servants working as secretary and solicitor to the inquiry.

The following staff changes have been made:

In January 2005, a deputy solicitor, assistant solicitor and deputy secretary were recruited.

In February 2005, a finance officer was recruited.

In March 2005, a higher executive officer and administrator were recruited.

In August 2005, the deputy secretary was released.

In November 2005, the deputy solicitor and assistant solicitor were released.

In January 2006, the administrator was released and a deputy solicitor was recruited.

In September 2006, the deputy solicitor was released and an assistant solicitor was recruited.

In January 2007, a finance/administration officer was recruited.

In May 2007, a deputy solicitor was recruited.

In July 2007, the assistant solicitor was released.

In September 2007, the secretary was released and the solicitor took on the secretarial role.

In January 2008, a witness information officer (50 per cent. full-time employment), a personal assistant (75 per cent. full-time employment) were recruited, and the finance officer moved to 50 per cent. full-time employment.

In February 2008, the witness information manager and personal assistant became full-time, and the 50 per cent. FTE finance officer was released.

In April 2008, a senior finance officer was recruited.

In July 2008, a witness team member (50 per cent. FTE) was recruited.

In August 2008, the witness team member became full-time.

In November 2008, an assistant to counsel was recruited.

In April 2009, an Information and Legal Liaison Officer was recruited.

In October 2009, the assistant to counsel, witness information officer and witness team member were released.