Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

This is a case of changing the culture of what went on before. For Deputy Martin's information, I have spent very little time in my constituency office in the west. When I have, I have started at 7 a.m. for those who have a problem and want to see one of their local representatives. That means the early morning shift, as it were.

The Government made a decision in March 2011 that staff employed in ministerial private offices be reduced from a maximum of ten to eight while those in constituency offices be reduced from a maximum of six to four. It was also decided the staff in a Minister of State's private and constituency offices be reduced from a maximum of seven to five and a maximum of five to three, respectively, while the staff complement for a Minister of State assigned to more than one Department to be reduced from a maximum of nine to a maximum of seven. In the case of more than one Minister of State assigned to one Department, it was changed from no additional restrictions to the total not exceeding four in respect of each Minister of State.

The reductions are there for all to see. We have changed the nature of the culture that existed before. When appointed to the Government, I encouraged Ministers not to go down the tunnel route of accepting the thousands of invitations they would receive. Human nature, being what it is, people will fulfil engagements of one sort or another.

Compared to previous arrangements, these reductions will make the considerable saving of €800,000 and it is a demonstration of changing both the culture and the nature of way the Government treats its duties and responsibilities.

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