Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I grew up in an environment where to me the essence of a great civil servant was one whose Minister did not know what his or her politics were. I am not referring to this case. I am a member of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, as is Senator Mansergh. The Senator will confirm that the commission regularly comes across situations where issues need to be explained to the parties and the best people to do so might be staff of the House. We dare not send staff of the Houses to address political groups because it would be crossing a line. Similarly, it is important that we as politicians recognise and understand that there are strict rules which people who work closely with Ministers, the Leader and such like must observe. This is not about the Minister of State, Deputy Callely. He is just the person in the middle of it on this occasion. Who is surprised? I am talking about the civil servant.