asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the strong criticism by the director of the Institute of Public Administration on 28th June, 1971, concerning the alleged delay in the implementation of the Devlin Report on the public services reorganisation; and if he will make a statement on the Government's intentions in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Devlin Report.
19.
I have seen a press report of the criticism referred to. The position is that the legislation to enable the Department of the Public Service to be established—the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill, 1971— has been introduced. The Second Stage will be taken as soon as parliamentary time is available. In the meantime the associated administrative arrangements are being made. A secretary and a deputy secretary have been designated for the new Department and a competition open to civil servants and non-civil servants is being arranged to fill the two further posts of deputy secretary. The business of separating the functions to be transferred to the new Department from those to remain in the Department of Finance is proceeding and the Department of Finance is being reorganised. I hope that, as soon as the legislation is enacted, the new Department will become operational and will be in a position to begin the process of public service reorganisation.
When does the Minister think we will hear about the new Minister?
The Deputy heard about that a long time ago. He does not do his homework.
Who is he?
Deputy Haughey.