Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

My question is related to the application of the Act to the Taoiseach's Department. My essential point is that in the past questions and requests on economic and social issues were answered by the Taoiseach in a fully open way. By converting much of his Department into a Cabinet secretariat, particularly with regard to economic and social issues, whether by design or otherwise, the impact will be to cut off much of its work from parliamentary and public oversight. We need to work out how we can ensure parliamentary oversight is not undermined by the new arrangements and structures within the Department, particularly with regard to the issue of Cabinet confidentiality and how these issues are dealt with in Cabinet sub-committees. The Taoiseach asked for some examples and details of how the Department is restrictive. I refer to the jobs initiative as being a classic illustration of the point I am making. Despite repeated requests, no background material has been provided for me.

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