Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)

The House will be aware of the imminent departure of the Secretary General at the Department of Finance, as announced last week. Is the Taoiseach prepared to explain to the House the circumstances in which this happened? Is this part of the policy which he enunciated prior to forming a Government to shake up the Civil Service and to make civil servants accountable for their actions, in particular those who were in charge or in pivotal positions at the time of the bank guarantee, the collapse of the economy and EU-IMF deal? The question that must be asked is did Mr. Cardiff jump or was he pushed. Was his departure a decision of Government or did he make it himself?

The departure of the Secretary General of the Department of Finance presents the Government with a great opportunity to make an inspired appointment. This vacancy is possibly the most important that will occur in the Civil Service during the lifetime of this Government.

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