asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the big increase in expenditure in the private offices of the Ministers of State in the past few years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ministers' Private Offices.
19.
The expenditure involved relates almost entirely to cost of staff. The increase in the numbers of staff in these offices reflects the steady expansion in Government activity and the growing demands made on Ministers.
Considering that this Government have done no work worth talking about for the last 12 months, how can the Minister maintain that there has been any increase in the work of the Minister's officers? I would like to ask the Minister what was the increase between 1969 and 1970, because in the answer to the Parliamentary Question he gives us figures only up to 1969. What has been the increase since the last general election?
Arising out of the first part of the Deputy's speech I say that since I do not agree with it the second question which the Deputy asked does not arise. With regard to the third question the Deputy asked, I presume he is referring to the Parliamentary Question which he asked last week. If the reply given was in respect of a period up to the end of 1969 then the reply was based on the Deputy's question. I am speaking from recollection——
I did not ask the question. It is improper of the Minister to attribute a question to me which I did not ask.
The Ceann Comhairle will understand my mistake because the Deputy made a fuss about it. Speaking from recollection, I do not think there has been any increase between 1969 and 1970. If there was an increase it might just have been an increase of one officer.
How many of the increased staff are engaged in surveillance of the activities of other Ministers?
That does not arise.
I think Deputy O'Leary is thinking in terms of a function which took place at Kilkee some time ago.
I am thinking in terms of functions which are occurring daily in this House.