Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

On 14 November 2007 I was appointed Chairman of the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security as a result of pressure following the failure to produce terms of reference. Since 14 November the committee has operated without a clerk, and only with the assistance of another clerk, who is covering for the failure of those who should appoint a clerk. Is the Taoiseach serious about this issue? Will he arrange for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to stop blocking the transfer of a member of staff, who is apparently on a list as a result of relocation of the Department, to the Houses of the Oireachtas? I and members of my committee will not hold meetings until we get proper staffing. We should not set up committees unless the Taoiseach is prepared to give us the back-up to do the work we are expected to do. We are endeavouring to do a job on behalf of both Houses, the Seanad and the Dáil. We are getting the co-operation of Departments in trying to do it but we cannot continue to operate without even a clerk never mind professional assistance.

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