Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I do not wish to be repetitious but I have been told there were only two Bills outsourced in the past five years, and not too many before that. In a period when the House enacted 226 Bills, only two were sent out. Those two Bills were sent to a former official of the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel so, in effect, someone who did not understand the system did not draft a Bill. Statutory instruments have been frequently sent out, as have heads of Bills, including the case Deputy Rabbitte cited. It is not liked and where Bills have been sent out, the office believes it ends up, to a large extent, having to do the work again.

Drafting legislation is a slow process. It is a professional job and it takes a long time for someone to acquire the expertise. Some of the people in the office have been abroad but are now working in this country. I think there are approximately 13 people in the office and there might be one vacancy in that area of the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.

I understand there are some 13 draftsmen in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and one vacancy. It is a specialised job in this country and elsewhere. The draftsmen frequently work contract hours and stay on in the role. A number of them are elderly and it is very much appreciated that they stay on. Although I am no legal expert, their role involves a gifted talent. Any politicians in any jurisdiction will tell you that they are treasured people. That is why they are asked to stay on and we are in the same position.

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