Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I am delighted to have an opportunity to say a few words on this matter because it is very important. The Minister of State questioned where Deputy Richard Bruton got the figure of the millions of euro it will cost the Exchequer to appoint the additional Ministers of State. While I am delighted to hear they have specific roles within their Departments, how can the Minister of State prove this is the case? Have they signed some form of order? The Minister of State should answer this question in the House tonight. He should not leave the House without doing so because when Opposition Members approach a Minister of State, it is important to know whether he or she has some real clout or must revert to the senior Minister of the relevant Department. Were I or any other Deputy to bring a delegation from our respective constituencies, there would be no point in going to the messenger boy or girl. One would go to the highest level in the Department. Will the Minister of State answer my question tonight?

Deputy Sheehan is correct in that this is about jobs for the boys and girls. The Taoiseach has many people to please and the best way to do so is to give them jobs, State cars and staff. However, what is given should not stop there. Have the people in question specific roles in their Departments?

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