Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

In his first reply, the Taoiseach stated something to the effect that a comprehensive review of the National Economic and Social Development Office, NESDO, is under way, which would lay a solid basis for achieving further efficiencies as might be possible. It sounds as if NESDO will either be wound up or given responsibility for the functions of other agencies. Which direction will be taken?

For some time, it has been speculated that the Government is contemplating an amalgamation of the Combat Poverty Agency, the Equality Authority and the Irish Human Rights Commission. What is the Government's position on these agencies?

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