Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I note that the pay and pensions Estimate for 2009 published for the Department of the Taoiseach in tandem with the budget shows a 9% decrease over the 2008 forecasted outturn. Can the Taoiseach explain to the House how this figure is arrived at? What are the specific reductions, cost savings, etc., that give rise to a 9% decrease in respect of pay and pensions? Does it include address of the extent of the non-Civil Service advisers within the Department of the Taoiseach? Has the Taoiseach carried out a review of their relevance or an assessment of the availability of at least equal advisory capacity within the Civil Service itself?

I note the Moriarty tribunal has been mentioned by other Members. Certainly, the provision of €7.5 million in 2009 for a tribunal of inquiry that already has presented its so-called final report after 11 years of sitting, which is even longer than the last Taoiseach sat in office, is hardly credible. This has contributed greatly to the undermining of public confidence in the entire tribunal of inquiry process. I refer to the amount of time, the years involved and the overall cost. Surely it is time to bring this matter to finality.

Can the Taoiseach indicate whether it is intended to retain the steward's house at Farmleigh, which has been refurbished at a cost of €600,000? At the time, Members were told by the former Taoiseach that it was intended to be a Taoiseach's residence. Is the Taoiseach considering taking up occupancy of the property at any time? I understand that since 2006, this facility has only been used for overnight purposes 11 times. To what other uses does the Taoiseach intend to see this property put, if it is not to be a city residence for the Taoiseach while in Dublin on business?

See this speech in context