Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Burton and other Deputies asked about the functions of Ministers of State across more than one Department. In many cases, this is because particular issues cross-cut several Departments and there is no structure in place within the Civil Service to amalgamate the various Departments with a view to working together in one direction. Ministers of State will obviously not necessarily have an office in each of four Departments.

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