Vol. 480 No. 6
525 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reasons the Government merged the Departments of Equality and Law Reform and Justice; if he has satisfied himself that equality and disabilities will be adequately catered for by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14880/97]
I am satisfied the Government's ability to deliver effective services in the areas of justice, equality and law reform - including the question of disabilities - will be enhanced by the merger of the two former Departments.
An indication of the Government's intent in this regard is the appointment of a Minister of State to my Department who has been assigned special responsibility for the very important matters referred to by the Deputy.
