Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I expect the circular and its implications will give rise to parliamentary questions. The problem is that the circular expressly states that individual Departments no longer have discretion in this matter and that any exemption from the embargo must have the approval of the Minister for Finance. In asking this question, I seek guidance from the Ceann Comhairle. If we table questions to a line Minister in connection with the embargo or the renewal of fixed short-term contracts in Departments or agencies will the question be answered or will we be told that, as a consequence of the circular, the Minister no longer has responsibility for the matter? It is clear from the circular that responsibility is being transferred from line Ministers and their Departments to the Minister for Finance. What is the position if a Member tables a question, on services at an agency where contracts are not being renewed, to the Minister for Transport or to the Minister for Health and Children, a Department in which I think many issues on this will arise, or to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform? Can the Minister answer the question and how will he or she do so if, as a consequence of the circular, the Minister no longer has responsibility for it?

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