Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. I would like to say "Well done" on yesterday's CSO figures. While they are a photograph of a point in time, they are an improvement and that should be acknowledged.

The reason I asked for these data is I am doubtful about the role played by these State agencies and it is difficult to say whether the assistance they give creates jobs. We know they exist and the jobs are created, but the cause and effect are difficult to prove and the cost per job is still high.

I accept the figures the Minister has given and I am grateful for them. Some years ago when the Minister was in opposition he made a most perceptive speech at the MacGill summer school saying that when Fine Gael came to power it would get rid of the boards of all the quangos. I do not make a political point; it is more of a political plea. It was a very good idea. I no longer expect, in the light of what has happened and following statements made by Ministers, any Minister to keep a promise but I would like to know if the Minister still holds that view. He said that significant insights have been made on the performance of the semi-State bodies of which he is in charge.

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