Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Minister, Deputy Brendan Howlin, wants to be able to come into the House to answer questions. The Bill to give effect to the setting up of his Department was cleared by the Government this morning and will be published in the next couple of days. I hope we can get it through as quickly as possible. The transfer of powers to the second Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, is quite detailed. Splitting the Department of Finance into two separate Departments requires absolute clarity such that nobody will make a mistake. The Bill was cleared this morning and will be published in the next couple of days. We will then get on with the matter. I can certainly attest to the fact that the Minister wants to be able to answer questions for everyone in the House.

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