John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

To reiterate, I inherited the situation and the public consultation was half over before I took up my position. I checked and it did not arise as a significant issue.

The Deputy will be aware that while we have regional task forces, in some cases there are sub-committees on a county by county basis. If there were to be more task forces, we might lose sight of what we are trying to deliver. In other words, our administrative capacity could grow and the channelling of funds and resources to front line services would be diminished. When one looks at the various components and partners within a task force, it could mean meeting after meeting without achieving real objectives.

That issue did not arise, but I have an open mind on it although it has not been brought to the steering group as a significant issue. The structures that were in place were thought to be relatively new. They were only bedding in and it was generally believed that they should be afforded the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Given the current economic environment, where we are seeking to streamline organisations while ensuring that resources are delivered to front line services as much as possible, the creation of other agencies and boards is, I believe, unlikely at this point.

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