Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

Each Department, irrespective of the additional resources sought, must make its case to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in a businesslike fashion. That is the Minister's intention. We are all aware of the difficulties encountered in the two organisations as a result of the reductions in funding. For example, there were certain projects they would have wished to undertake but could not do so because of a lack of resources in terms of expertise. We understand there will be certain areas within the new commission in which there may be a lack of expertise. That is what the Minister is talking about. In the event that there are gaps in the organisation he has said that if a case is made to him, he will ensure it is looked on in as favourable a light as possible.