Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The whole idea of Question Time is to get accurate information. There is no better man to give accurate information on integration policy than the former Minister of State who has held that responsibility for a couple of years.

Out of the 15 Ministers of State appointed, six have a primary responsibility in respect of a substantial area of the work of key Departments, and will have significant policy and management responsibilities in that regard. Seven have responsibilities in respect of key cross-cutting issues, which require close co-ordination and, where appropriate, integration of policy and programmes across a number of Departments. Those functions can and will be supported by appropriate interdepartmental structures at official level to provide a streamlined and coherent delivery of the Government's policy in these areas. Finally, two Ministers of State, while having significant lead responsibilities in their own right, will also assist Ministers in the large and complex Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Education and Science.

As the Deputy knows, I have ensured that Ministers of State will carry out their responsibilities with a reduced support team. We have already taken steps to reduce by more than 10% the costs of running the offices of Ministers and Ministers of State. Each has his or her portfolio and represents a significant and clear management brief. Each represents a continuing and essential function of Government, which requires political attention. Each Minister of State has a significant dimension of Oireachtas engagement, providing support for Ministers in busy Departments in carrying out full departmental responsibilities in addition to any delegated duties he or she will have, and an increased number of portfolios. The Minister of State's office acts as a key point of co-ordination in respect of key policy objectives involving more than one Department.

These are the issues that arise as regards Ministers of State and we should get away from the idea that there is little or no work to be done. A great deal has to be done, and in my experience I believe each and every one of them is committed to doing the very best job he or she can do.

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