Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I wish to add a further point. What percentage do those figures represent in respect of the Department of the Taoiseach? How does this compare with other Departments? Is there a rush to get away from the Taoiseach? The Taoiseach should respond in this regard.

As for the State agencies, the difficulties are clear. Some people within existing State agencies have, over their years of service, developed specific skills that are particular to the role of the State agency in which they work. Such individuals are not multi-transferable and are not immediately moveable from one State agency to another because they cover such a variety of areas of address. It is feared that people will be moved inappropriately, irrespective of their years of service and experience. The Taoiseach should respond to another fear, namely, out of pride and unwillingness on his part and that of his colleagues to climb down on this issue in the face of such persistent opposition, he will attempt to cobble together opportunities to try to accommodate some aspects of the decentralisation proposals pertaining to State agencies. The Taoiseach must address this issue and allay fears in this regard. Ultimately, he will be obliged to make a balanced judgment as to what is in the overall national interest in terms of the State agency proposals. If it is the case that on balance, it would not be feasible to proceed, the Taoiseach must be big enough to admit this.

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