Vol. 469 No. 3
181 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total expenditure to date on the policy unit set up by a Government decision of 21 February 1995, to assist him; the estimated cost of the unit in 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17364/96]
189 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether any of the five persons employed on his behalf in the policy unit of his Department have been privy to any memoranda or proposals to Government; if any of these persons have been involved in sub-committees or committees appointed by the Cabinet to discuss issues of Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17362/96]
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 181 and 189 together.
I refer to my replies to Parliamentary Questions No. 123 on 14 February 1996 and No. 15 on 3 April 1996 tabled by the Deputy. The position has not changed since then. None of the unestablished staff of the research unit has been involved in a sub-committee or committee appointed by Cabinet to discuss issues of Government policy.
