Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach has been credited, rightly or wrongly, as being the chief negotiator in regard to the increase in the number of Ministers of State. We have 20 junior Ministers who are costing the Exchequer €3 million per annum.

In view of the comments made by members of the Green Party, represented beside the Taoiseach, that this number should be reduced and that the matter should be brought before Cabinet for decision, perhaps the Taoiseach will inform us if that matter has been discussed? I am not suggesting the positions of Ministers of State, Deputies Carey or Roche, who are assigned to the Taoiseach's Department, be abolished. However, a reduction in the number of Ministers of State is a matter for the Taoiseach given he has been credited as the person who created the number of positions currently in place.

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