Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy has raised a fundamental point that originates from the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924. It is an 80 year old provision which has been subject to deletions and additions. In its wisdom, the legislation provides that the State believes there are areas of responsibility that are better given to outside agencies established by Acts of the Oireachtas to deal with day-to-day affairs. I am sure an audit would show that there are more, but it is not something new. The basis of the Act is that, rather than Ministers making decisions on various matters, it should be done by others to extend protection. The legislation has been on the Statute Book for a long time and has not changed much in the interim. It still operates on the same basis as when it was enacted 81 years ago.

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