Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The point is that we are not outsourcing. One cannot simply advertise for positions in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and get people with sufficient competency to fulfil that role. Such people are recruited whenever they become available. There is usually a vacancy or two in the office and some excellent staff who are beyond retirement age are continuing to provide the service.

From the House's point of view, I can not recall when we were stuck for legislation. It is generally the other way around. There are Bills at various stages on the Order Paper and after the budget next week, the resources almost of a full-time person will be required for both the Social Welfare Bill and the Finance Bill for a long period of time. Other legislation also requires time. It is a matter of prioritising. The House is putting forward by a multiplier significantly more legislation than it did five, ten, 15 or 20 years ago. It is becoming more productive all the time in terms of legislation.

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