Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The make-up of this Dáil and the new procedures that have come into place as a result of Dáil reform have resulted in the Government doing its business in a very different way from previous Governments. It has also meant an increased workload for Departments, particularly in respect of the volume of Private Members' business. The parliamentary liaison unit, which is based in my Department, was set up to perform a liaison function to help ensure that Ministers and Departments are properly informed of their new responsibilities and procedures in the Thirty-second Dáil. The parliamentary liaison unit was established 18 months ago, in May 2016. It is staffed by three people, a principal officer, a higher executive officer and a clerical officer, all of whom are civil servants. The chief strategist for the Independent Alliance is Mr. Tony Williams.

I am not reviewing my Department. Structures and staffing are entirely a matter for the Secretary General. I intend to leave that to him as the best person-----

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