Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

It did not form part of the proposals of either party prior to the election. It emerged late in the plans for the programme for Government. It was clearly about resolving the difficulty of the coalition partners on who would become Minister for Finance. Neither side was prepared to capitulate which resulted in the confused Bill before the House. While the desire to deal with public sector reform is laudable, necessary and welcome, the fact that it has been established within the confines of a new Department clearly shows that the Bill was not necessary.

I look forward to the pursuit of his agenda by the Minister, Deputy Howlin. All Members of the House can contribute through various debates to the public sector reform agenda. I am concerned that we will find ourselves dealing with some of the difficulties the Government will encounter trying to bring together the views of both Fine Gael and Labour in what is clearly a difficult agenda. We look forward to contributing to that. I will conclude on that note and hand over to my colleague.

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