Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

It is a cross-departmental initiative. Clearly, if a State company comes within the ambit of a particular Minister, he or she will be involved in the consultative process. If it involves the disposal of a State asset, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will have responsibility. The primary responsibility for the NTMA lies with me, as Minister for Finance, and at the end of the day I will be responsible for answering questions on overall policy.

I understand Ms Eileen Fitzpatrick has been reassigned at the same salary. Nothing in my notes would suggest that her salary position is altered given that she was a senior executive in the NTMA. I can supply that information to the Deputy but I do not think an issue arises.

See this speech in context