Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I congratulate him on his election as Chair. I credit all the Senators: all the newly elected Senators and those back in situ. I wish everyone the best over the next few months and years.

The purpose of this Bill is to give effect to the decision by Government to increase from 20 to 23 the maximum number of Ministers of State. As the Seanad will be aware, the number has remained unchanged for the past 18 years, since 2007, when Minister of State numbers increased from 17 to 20. The Bill will also allow for the existing allowance for Ministers of State attending Cabinet meetings to be extended to four Ministers of State. At the moment, a maximum of three Ministers of State may receive the allowance for attending Cabinet.

On the first proposed provision, the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924 first provided for the appointment by the Executive Council of a maximum of seven parliamentary secretaries to act as junior Ministers. In 1977, this provision was replaced by the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, which allowed for the appointment of Ministers of State from among Members of either House. Section 2 of the 1977 Act provides for the delegation of functions to a Minister of State. A Government order may be made on the request of a Minister, delegating to his or her Minister of State all the Minister’s powers and duties under a particular Act or, more narrowly, any particular statutory power or duty. This reflects the role of the Minister of State in facilitating the Government to work more efficiently by allowing the appointment of junior Ministers and delegating to them specified functions to progress Government priorities. The 1977 Act set the maximum number of Ministers of State at ten. This was increased subsequently to 15 in 1980, 17 in 1995 and 20 in 2007. The major consideration for seeking the proposed change to 23, as was the case in 1980, 1995 and 2007, is the increased volume of Government priorities and business. Since 2007, the expansion of ministerial duties has stemmed from the growing complexity of policy issues, the challenges of steering vast Government initiatives and the heightened involvement with stakeholders at all levels, both nationally and internationally. Many of the new challenges we face are cross-cutting and require cross-departmental responses. For this reason, the Government is reorganising some Departments to better address the main issues that have been identified with a whole-of-government approach.

In relation to the second proposed change, the role of a Minister of State is important in ensuring policy implementation under their area of responsibility. With an additional role and responsibility for contributing to Cabinet meetings, it is appropriate the relevant Ministers of State should receive the allowance relating to that particular role. New ministerial responsibilities at Minister of State level will be delegated to ensure there is an appropriate focus across all Government priorities. Through improved cross-departmental working and promoting simultaneous action, Ministers of State will enable a more cohesive approach to delivering the programme for Government.

There are a range of areas on which the Government will focus its attention. The assistance and support provided by a Minister of State will be essential to achieving our ambitious targets: accelerating the number of homes available; implementing new programmes of health digitalisation and modernisation and reform of the education sector; supporting Irish businesses not only to find new markets but also to reduce costs; bringing together relevant stakeholders to address the needs around community development and policing; providing more focused leadership in management of immigration; and achieving climate and biodiversity goals by focusing on energy transformation while supporting our rural communities and the agrifood sector to prosper.

In addition, and as set out by the Taoiseach, given the global uncertainties and threats we face, this Government is prioritising the protection and strengthening of Ireland’s international relationships with a particular focus on trade and collaboration within the European Union, especially during our upcoming Council Presidency. The Minister of State with responsibility for Europe will oversee these efforts. The Government will also focus on developing a new relationship with the United Kingdom, with all Departments building bilateral relations with their UK counterparts. Our focus will be on fortifying ties with international partners, especially in Europe, to boost trade and create more opportunities for Irish businesses.

Public policy has become more complex as our society has grown and developed. We are all aware of the need to tackle various policy issues in a cross-departmental and more focused manner. The increase in the number of Ministers of State will enable the Government to extend this cross-cutting approach to the many issues in which more than one Department has a significant role. Ministers of State will play a valuable role in the delivery of our extensive programme of Government. This additional work of Ministers of State attending Cabinet should be recognised and compensated in an equitable manner. Accordingly, I commend the Bill to the Seanad.