Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We should, on remembering the visit of Joe Biden here to Leinster House, remark on the wonderful job that was done by the staff of Leinster House, and how everything ran so smoothly within the House. The Cathaoirleach's speech was exceptional, and I congratulate you. It was a very well delivered and poignant speech in its own way, and I would like to compliment you.

With respect to the Civil Service, civil servants have served this country well over its 100 years. Sadly however, at the very top of the Civil Service, there are some who believe they are unanswerable to anybody. We saw a report of the appointment of Dr. Tony Holohan yesterday, and what went on in the background prior to that. I strongly believe that the time has come to review the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924. It is 99 years old, and it is about time to review it.

I ask the Leader to use her good offices to bring a debate to this House that would review the Ministers and Secretaries Act. The function of a parliament is to oversee what goes on. My personal experience is that any time we try to oversee the actions of Departments, we are met with a plethora of reasons as to why we cannot have information that we need. I am talking particularly about the Department of Transport, and the difficulty I have had in trying to get information regarding search and rescue in this country, the extraordinary cost to the country, and what may or may not be covered in the contract. The Secretary General just tells us he will not come. On five occasions he has told us he will not come, using one half-excuse after another.

What we saw yesterday with Dr. Tony Holohan - a man who served this country well - and the shenanigans that took place in the background, was just totally unacceptable. It suggests there are people who believe they are not answerable in any way. I would like that debate, if the Leader could organise it.