Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Taoiseach for his response. As these three questions in effect relate to three different issues, I will try to take them separately. However, I wish to put an overall point to the Taoiseach. Does he agree it continues to be the case that the new structure of the Taoiseach's office makes it less subject to parliamentary scrutiny now than at any time in its history? The Taoiseach may recall that during the election campaign and in the programme for Government, people were promised a radically smaller Department, which would be like a Cabinet office. Instead, what exists at present is a Department that is exactly the same size as its predecessor, which is taking more control of issues but which has been given the cloak of confidentiality. The economic division, which preceded the economic management council, was subject to parliamentary questions. However, it now is gone and has been superseded by the economic management council, which is shielded from all questions about its work. Will the Taoiseach consider ways to enable Members to table questions in respect of the work of the economic management council?

As for European Union co-ordination, since the European Union unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs was transferred to his Department, the Taoiseach has refused to answer basic questions on matters such as, for example, his role in the 2013 European Union Presidency.

I want to ascertain whether the Taoiseach is in charge of EU policy, given that a large section has moved into the Department.

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