Ruairí Quinn
Question:173 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if he will set out the legislative and administrative priorities of his Department following his appointment as Minister, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Ministerial Policy.
The following are the main priorities in my Department and in the offices under my aegis: the enactment of various taxation and other measures announced in my Budget Statement of 29 January; ratification of the Maastricht agreement on Treaty changes to move to economic and monetary union in the EC; ensuring that adequate resources are available resulting from the negotiations on the EC Commission's proposals for the 1993-97 community budget; preparing proposals for use of the Structural Fund and Cohesion Fund resources; introducing legislation to update the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General; the Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) and Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices (Amendment) Bill, 1991 — presently at Second Stage; measures to promote greater efficiency and effectiveness in the administration of Government Departments; addressing the issue of public service pay as outlined in the budget speech; the review of the valuation code; the National Parks and Heritage Areas Bill, which will provide for the protection and designation of National Parks, National Heritage Gardens, National Historic Parks and landscapes of national significance and the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill, which will amend and update many provisions of the 1976 Wildlife Act.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:174 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the precise actions he intends to take now to promote equality within his Department in general and in particular to promote qualified women to higher posts within his Department, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The promotion of equality of opportunity within my Department in general is ongoing and is constantly under review. Equality policy is governed by the 1986 equal opportunities policy and guidelines for the Civil Service. These guidelines were drawn up to provide a statement of basic principles on which the ongoing development of an equality policy should be based. My Department are responsible for the implementation of these guidelines throughout the Civil Service. In this respect, my Department publish an annual report which outlines, inter alia, progress made in establishing procedures and policies necessary to achieve equality of opportunity. Major developments which have occurred in this area are the establishment of training courses and seminars aimed specifically towards women.
Equality policy has a very high priority within my Department and qualified women are given every opportunity to advance to higher posts. The policy will continue to be reviewed regularly and any procedures deemed necessary to enhance current practices will be implemented.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:175 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if he will define the new and existing responsibilities of the Minister of State within his Department following the recent changes in the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Deputy Noel Treacy has been appointed Minister of State at the Department of Finance, with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works and the Central Development Committee.
The Office of Public Works are the Government's principal agent for the provision and care of buildings for State purposes. They undertake a range of engineering works as well as the upkeep of certain parks and inland waterways. The office have central responsibility for various services and supplies to Departments through the Government Supplies Agency. The office have central statutory functions in relation to national monuments and wildlife.
Certain statutory functions of the Minister for Finance in relation to the Office of Public works have been delegated to the Minister of State and there are proposals to extend the range of statutory functions further.