Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Deputy makes a very valid point. We all know such people. This is not an easy nut to crack. What we need is to have more clarity in terms of people's role and better and more objective evaluation of people's performance. Even in the private sector, this is a huge issue, because in small enterprises where people are working cheek by jowl, it is very difficult to make an effective and objective evaluation of the different people working with one, because one must live with them the next day. It will be a challenge for us to develop models of proper evaluation and to ensure there is a real meritocracy in place, because we all have our own prejudices.

Another issue I have come across repeatedly in the Civil Service - I have had the privilege of being a Minister in three Departments - is that very good people burn out, but remain in place. One cannot say to them that they were great, but now they are not so great and must go. Often, roles are found for these people. This happens in private business also and people are moved around to less critical roles.