Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

-----like in the VECs about which we made a decision this week.

Senator Barrett spoke of the Department of Finance. There is commentary on the Department of Finance. There are fine staff who have worked hard. They have been at the eye of a storm for a long time. However, we need to restructure it in the way we are setting out. We need external persons in it and that is why there is the section in the Bill to allow NTMA staff to come in.

In the minute available, I will not be drawn in to discuss taxation policy which is not my direct purview but I look forward to sharing my views on that elsewhere.

I omitted to say that we launched a website last week. It is part of the Department of public expenditure and reform website. It is intended that on a monthly basis all economic data of the State, in terms of procurement and expenditure down to subhead level, will be available for scrutiny. That should obviate the need for approximately two thirds of parliamentary questions to the Department of Finance, but all of it in real time. Currently, it dates back to 1994 so that one can have comparators. It is manipulative to allow for research and should be of use.

Senator O'Keeffe spoke of balancing the books and that is at the heart of my job. It links into the commentary of Senator Cullinane. Everywhere I go everybody wishes us to achieve the end but many want to deny us the means.