John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I wish to make a distinction between the Bill as presented and the intention of the Bill. The Bill as presented gives rise to a number of questions which need to be addressed. I hope that some of them will be addressed in the context of Committee Stage amendments. I refer in particular to the functions of the Minister for Finance and the new ministry held by Deputy Howlin. Looking through the Bill it is apparent that one must ask the other for permission to act. I foresee a great deal of tic tac and correspondence between civil servants on proposals. That must be clarified. The management and delivery of what is intended in the Bill must be sorted out to provide for day to day issues.

It was interesting to hear the Minister, Deputy Howlin, refer to the fact that we now have a system that is not fit for purpose. He also referred to the fact he will create further reductions of between 18,000 and 20,000 in the number of civil servants over a period. That is an unusual departure for a Labour Party Minister, and I wish him well in his crusade.

The Minister went on to say how important is the Croke Park deal. I respect that deal is important, but let us hope it does not turn out like social partnership, where most of the deals relating to the State and its management are carried on outside of the House.

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