Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

Last night the Minister approved the establishment of a new board, with a very long title. It is called the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. The Government has announced yet another board when we are talking about cutting back on boards. The board comprises a very eminent group of people and is being referred to as "an bord snip nua". Why do we need a group such as this when we have a Cabinet? What is the job of Cabinet? I am amazed by the job this board, chaired by Mr. Colm McCarthy, has been given. According to the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, it has been asked to advise the Department so that savings can be made as soon as possible.