Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

No. Section 20 lists those bodies which remain under the aegis of the Minister for Finance. This list includes the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. Section 20 provides that in relation to a limited number of public service type functions the Minister for Finance will consult with the Minister for public expenditure and reform. The powers of the Minister for Finance in relation to the Comptroller and Auditor General under the 1993 Act are not transferring to the Minister for public expenditure and reform. The functions of the Comptroller and Auditor General are set out in that Act. These recitals determine what bodies come within the aegis of the Department of public expenditure and reform and which will remain under the aegis of the Minister for Finance.

In general terms, staff remuneration matters might well require my input because overall policy in regard to staff and pay will come within my remit.