Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

An artificial distinction was made by one or two Members, to the effect that civil servants only engage in discussion on technical issues and policy issues are reserved to elected politicians. I am surprised that this comes from anyone who has experience of Government. That is highly schematic. Final decisions on policy issues should be made by the Government or Ministers but it is manifestly absurd to suggest civil servants do not get involved in policy issues.

Deputy Morgan raised an image of the IMF as it operated perhaps in the 1970s and 1980s in South American countries.

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