Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

I did not learn a great deal from the Minister's reply. The question I tabled was based on one of the aims set out in the Department's mission statement. One of the phrases used in the latter is "the co-ordinated engagement of the State with local communities". Is the Minister, after five years in office, in a position to indicate that such engagement has substantially improved, that duplication among Departments and agencies has substantially decreased, that taxpayers are getting a better deal and, more importantly, that communities are benefiting? If he is able to do so, what independent evidence does he possess to substantiate his claims?

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