Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Both Departments have always had on a strictly non-political and neutral basis the ability to cost all proposals from political parties and Independent politicians in advance of a general election.

I do not see that work and have no role in it whatsoever. It is overseen by both Secretaries General and that will continue to be available and will be made available in advance of any election. This is just a practical matter but if big and exciting new proposals are being developed, the quicker they are shared with the two Departments, the quicker the Departments will be able to give the committee an informed cost. However, I can assure the committee that the Departments will not be sharing those ideas with me.