Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I recall the appointment of political programme managers in 1992 by Fianna Fáil and the Labour Party but their remit was somewhat different in that it was to iron out difficulties between Ministers before issues arrived at the Cabinet. The programme manager remit in that regard continued between 1994 and 1997 with considerable success.

A special adviser was appointed to the Minister for Health and Children and his salary was €156,000. He has resigned because his remit was up for whatever reason. Will that position be filled?

The Taoiseach stated advisers are there to streamline policy. The Fine Gael Party published a detailed document to restructure the health system entitled FairCare under which, at the end of a five-year period, universal health insurance would be introduced. The Minister for Health and Children offered an 11-page critique of that document and when my party asked the Department for a copy, we were told it was not available in the Department and that it had been prepared by her political adviser. That contradicts the Taoiseach's statement regarding the role and remit of advisers. Surely at a time like this, the Government should not pay political advisers to critique other party's proposals at public expense when the Department is available and has views on such proposals, no more than the Minister's office. Will the Taoiseach comment on that?

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