Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I could never understand why the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Kitt, was given responsibility for civil defence. Did the Taoiseach ever consider moving that responsibility to the Minister for Defence? While I do not doubt the ability of the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, that would make more sense. If the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, had the additional responsibility it might stop him sending out scurrilous press statements.

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