Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

As for the first part of the Deputy's question, the decision to advertise the position of Secretary General of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs was approved by the Government in the normal way. That job has been publically advertised. In this case it was rightly decided to have a public advertisement to see who would apply not only from within the public service, but also from outside.

The configuration of Departments is purely a matter for the Taoiseach. Even within the current Government, as in the previous Government, responsibilities are in continual flux. Parts of the responsibility for the marine were transferred to the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and Transport and so on. Where departmental responsibilities move from one Minister to another, it does not put an end to the role. Fisheries continue under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. People try to spin it to the effect that a change of ministerial responsibilities means a change in or elimination of the programmes but that it is unfair and disingenuous.

The position of Secretary General to the Department has been advertised and it is intended to make an appointment in due course. I know of no proposal at the moment to change the configuration of Departments but that is a matter for the Taoiseach at any time.

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