Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish the Minister a happy Easter. I thank the Minister of State. We are nearly there, or we are closer to it than we thought. In an appendix to the Mangan report it is estimated that the compatibility of the Revenue and the Department of Social Protection is approximately 89%, so we might be moving rapidly in that direction. It would be of benefit if we could free up resources for health by cutting the administrative burden, which is a lot more than in other areas. The fastest growing category of staff for many years in the health service was the administrative layers, as the Minister of State is aware. It does not make sense to perform the same functions in the areas of health, education through SUSI, social welfare and in the Revenue Commissioners. I agree with other speakers that it is a good goal for us, and a whole-of-Government goal, as we face the significant problem of the duplication of tasks. I thank Members from all sides who gave the Minister a strong opinion to bring back to his Cabinet colleagues that we would like to see action on that front because the goal of putting the money into education and health is one that everyone in the House shares.

I also thank the Minister of State for his generous response. I will not push the amendment but the idea is now out there. Ms Mangan was surprised herself at the fact that we are nearly there. People thought it was not possible to integrate child benefit and the tax system but it is now 89% done. That is a development which would allow us to get money into the front line. Once again, I thank the Minister of State for his response.