Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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90. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the statutory duties of the Minister of State with responsibility for flood relief. [17976/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Under the Minister and Secretaries Act 1924, as amended, the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (Board of Commissioners) and its powers, duties and functions are assigned to, and administered by, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform as the responsible head of the Board of the Commissioners to Dáil Éireann. The Ministers and Secretaries Act, 1924 designates the Minister as the corporation sole that is a perpetual entity separate from the individual Office holders.

The Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No.2) Act 1977, provides for the delegation of a Minister's powers and Duties to Minister(s) of State by Order made by the Government at the request of the Minister concerned. Delegation from a Minister to a Minister of State of non-statutory responsibilities is generally made by way of an understanding between a Minister and Minister of State.

The Minister has delegated by way of an understanding special responsibility for the OPW and Flood Relief to the Minister of State. The Minister remains responsible to Dáil Éireann for the exercise or performance of any powers or duties delegated to the Minister of State.