Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to hear that the Minister of State has confidence in his own abilities, although it does not surprise me. On the previous occasion we discussed this issue the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, explained that the system of administration has changed since the Minister of State took office. Scoring and validation continue to be carried out by officials of the Department but the allocation of moneys has been transferred to the Minister of State, who will decide in consultation with his advisers who gets what. I am concerned that the system lacks accountability and transparency.

We also previously discussed the staffing of the Department. The Minister alluded to the fact that the Minister of State has a special adviser who is not being paid. Apparently he has offered his services free of charge. That is noteworthy. Does this individual have access to departmental files and has he signed a contract of employment, even if he does not get paid? Is he subject to the Official Secrets Acts? I ask the Minister of State to clarify the context in which he has benefited from the free services provided by a private individual.

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