Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

It is important to differentiate between the policy and the implementation of the policy. This section will not prevent the chief executive from mentioning that it is difficult for him to implement the policy, for example because he is not being given enough money to implement it. It will prevent him from questioning the merit of the policy, however, which is important. Ministers and chief executives have very distinct roles. Policy is made by Ministers, as members of the Government, and implemented by chief executives. This section will not prevent a chief executive from talking about the manner in which he is able to implement policy.

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