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

The Taoiseach's notes will probably tell him that last year his predecessor informed the Seanad that the parliamentary liaison unit had been established as a "catalyst" for improved communication between Ministers and Opposition spokespersons and their teams. That was the original idea of the parliamentary liaison unit and the Taoiseach's predecessor, in the context of the confidence and supply agreement and the facilitation of Oireachtas reform, made it clear that he wanted improved relationships between the Executive and the rest of the House on various issues and communications between Ministers and Deputies. We have learned over the past year or so that the unit has been diverted into working with Independent Members and helping Ministers prepare for Private Members' Business. That was never the original intention. It seems that more and more, the architecture of Government is being turned into a prop for the political parties which make up the Government. We have to be extremely careful about the trends that are emerging.

The Taoiseach said he was reviewing his Department. Could he indicate whether the review has informed him what he will do in respect of this unit? Will he make a statement available on the number of queries handled for each Independent Deputy? What Independent Deputies are on the inside track, those who vote with the Government, such as Deputy Lowry who regularly does that, or Deputy Mattie McGrath-----

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