Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I have often watched the television programme "Yes, Minister" and, on the whole, I think we may have avoided some of the worst practices of the self-styled establishment in the British Civil Service. We have looked abroad, however. The strategic management initiative came from the New Zealand experience some years ago. I am not sure whether it is necessary to state it explicitly because staff exchanges and conferences take place. The Civil Service is pretty well alive. When one attends international meetings abroad, people are constantly comparing notes, whether they are politicians or civil servants.