Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

On behalf of the Green Party I join the congratulations to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle on his 44 years in the House and I wish him many more.

Given the CMOD meeting on 1 June at which consultants were regarded as having produced work mirroring the work of other consultants, it is important that we would look at the Ministers and Secretaries Act and perhaps include training in computers for Ministers so that consultants are not able to pull the wool over their eyes and, as a result, charge exorbitant fees beyond what is needed. Technology must be brought into the legislation so there is an awareness that we will not be throwing away a great deal of taxpayers' money on the basis of lack of expertise among Ministers. Can the Ministers and Secretaries legislation be amended in that regard?

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