Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. In June last, he informed the House that he intended to study staffing and roles in the Department before taking decisions about priorities. Will he indicate what happened to that process? When we discussed this topic last week, the Taoiseach indicated he did not know how many staff were assigned to specific policy areas. I hope it can be assumed that he dealt with the matter in the past week.

Taking the contents of the Department's annual report as a guide, it appears more full-time staff will work in press and communications than on any other topic or issue in the Department. Is the Taoiseach happy with the message this sends regarding the fundamental role of his Department? Is he happy that as many staff will work in his new marketing unit as on running the Cabinet and more staff will work in the unit than on Northern Ireland, health, infrastructure and various other areas identified as the Department's core priorities? For clarity's sake, will he indicate what will be the position when the changes are finalised? Which specific areas will have more staff and which will have fewer staff?

The Taoiseach pointed out that he does not appoint departmental staff. The exception was the head of the strategic communications unit because, as far as I can see, the Taoiseach asked for this appointment or indicated that the individual in question might be willing to take up the job. This was essentially a case of a nod being as good as a wink and he clearly had a significant influence on that appointment. However, other appointments are made by the Secretary General under the various departmental processes. The priorities are somewhat misplaced.

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