Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The official job description of the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Pat Carey, includes the preparation of the weekly brief for the Taoiseach on legislation in preparation. Does the Taoiseach discuss the prioritisation of the Order of Business as presented here day after day and the prioritisation of legislation on a weekly basis with his Chief Whip, Deputy Pat Carey? Shortly, we will move on to the Order of Business where Members of the House continually raise promised legislation. At any time in his experience in the job has the Taoiseach ever taken on board any of the arguments or points in respect of delayed legislation raised daily by Members? What is the role of the Chief Whip in respect of the legislation committee and what is the relationship between the Taoiseach and that committee?

Does the Taoiseach accept that there is not an awareness of the real cost of Ministers of State? It is the cost issue as against the numbers per se. Presumably, the two issues are inextricably linked, but nevertheless the issue is in respect of cost and what savings can be effected. It is not simply a matter of salary. Does the Taoiseach accept that it is also entails, for example, the "half car" as it is referred to jocundly by several Members on the Government benches? It includes the additional support for the constituency operations and the requirement for travel that occurs domestically and internationally, more the former I expect in Minister of State positions. None of this is ever shown. When the publication of expenses and costs relating to Members of Houses of the Oireachtas are printed from time to time——

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