Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We have tabled several parliamentary questions on the parliamentary liaison unit to find out exactly what it is supposed to do. According to the Government website, whodoeswhat.gov.ie, "The Parliamentary Liaison Unit facilitates the enhanced relationship between the Government and the Oireachtas with a view to ensuring the timely implementation of the Government's legislative programme." However, the website does not refer to certain Members of the Oireachtas. According to replies to parliamentary questions, as repeated by the Taoiseach today, its purpose is to support Ministers and their Departments on Oireachtas matters with a particular emphasis on assisting Departments with Private Members’ business.

The Taoiseach is telling us that the purpose of the unit is to support Independent members of Government in understanding Oireachtas procedures. I am somewhat confused about who exactly it is aimed at. Let us suppose we are to believe what has been published and that the purpose of the unit is to liaise between the Government and the Oireachtas. I have not had any contact with the parliamentary liaison unit. Will the Taoiseach identify the individual Deputies who have been liaised with, and to what end? Is there any interaction between Members who are not supporters of the Government and the parliamentary liaison unit?

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