Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

There are 475 people working in the Department of Health and Children but it is the second largest Department in terms of legislation and the busiest in answering parliamentary questions, with the second biggest budget. That is not to say there is not room for further reductions. Two thirds of the staff in the Department are at the lower grades, with a third in the higher grades.

This provision was introduced by Deputy Howlin when he was Minister and used by his successor as Minister, Deputy Noonan. We do not have actuarial staff in the Department and it would not be cost effective to employ such staff full-time because they are expensive and rarely needed.

We are asked to evaluate submissions by companies who have actuarial expertise. I must evaluate them and advise the Government. It is not realistic to ask me to do so using regular civil servants. If wanted advice on colorectal cancer, I would go to a colorectal cancer expert. This is a specialist area and the skill is not readily available. We go to tender when we are recruiting expertise in the area. This is not about appointing advisors, it is about appointing experts to advise on technical issues related to health insurance. I cannot accept the amendment because all my predecessors felt it necessary to have these provisions as well.

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