Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

Paul Cullen of The Irish Times refers to a very serious report in this morning's newspaper. The report was commissioned by the Department of the Taoiseach on the Department of Health and Children. According to it, there is a scandalous situation in that Department where many staff have little or nothing to do, while others are run off their feet. The Department is in crisis daily. Morale is low and senior management appears to be oblivious or unconcerned by these facts. It is a serious matter to have such waste in such an important Department of State. Are other Departments similarly affected? What are the Leader's views on the issue?

There is another matter which I intend to raise next week, the serious situation in the south west with regard to the future of the Cork-Swansea ferry.