Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

How many economists and persons with technical professional qualifications in banking and in accountancy work in the Department? Why have such a large chunk of his Department's responsibilities been effectively outsourced to the NTMA? The NTMA, which has a good record, cannot take responsibility for the entire running of the country.

People feel the performance of the Department of Finance has been underwhelming in the context of the crisis. Is this to do with the type of personnel? How many qualified economists and qualified accountants are there in the Department?

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