Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

-----dealing with the downsizing of the Department of the Taoiseach by 50%. Deputy Martin is incorrect in that assertion in that the programme for Government does not state that. It refers specifically to a reduction in the size of the Taoiseach's Department to, effectively, a Cabinet office to oversee the implementation of the programme for Government. The Vote of the Taoiseach's Department deals with administration, the issues I mentioned earlier and the NESC which is still attached to the office of the Taoiseach. There are a number of other costs involved, including moneys still remaining in respect of the Moriarty tribunal and one or two other issues, that we can talk about if Deputy Martin wishes. The Vote of the Department now relates to the administrative cost. The Taoiseach's Department, no more than any other, will continue to monitor that to achieve efficiencies in respect of those items I mentioned in order to have it as lean, professional and efficient as one would expect.

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