Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 12, inclusive, together.

These are political agreements that I have entered into as leader of the Fianna Fáil Party with individual Independent Deputies. The agreements are confidential, but I am happy to confirm to the House that they are, as always, based on the programme for Government, which incorporates the national development plan, approved Government programmes and annual Estimates for capital and current expenditure. As Deputies will be aware, such arrangements have existed over the past ten years and in all instances I have used my best endeavours to deliver them.

In terms of the assistance given to Independent Deputies, as has been the practice over ten years, a staff member in my office assists the Government Chief Whip's office in its work in liaising with these Deputies. This official meets them on a regular basis and arranges to keep them briefed on issues as they arise. I confirm that there is no additional cost to the taxpayer in dealing with these Deputies. The official dealing with the Deputies is an assistant principal and he assists the Chief Whip in this matter. In seeking to be as helpful as possible to the priorities and issues of concern to the Deputies, this is managed within the expenditure on programmes within the programme for Government and the national development plan and will be within the parameters of planned expenditure within departmental Estimates.

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