Vol. 482 No. 2
115 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has signed a delegation order assigning responsibilities and powers to the Ministers of State within his Department; and, if so, if he will give details of the powers assigned or to be assigned in those orders. [17508/97]
Under the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 1977 orders are made by the Government where statutory powers are delegated to Ministers of State. Where the powers delegated do not derive from a specific Act of the Oireachtas the Attorney General has advised that an order cannot be made. There is relatively little specific legislation relating to the powers and functions of the Minister for Education and Science which therefore makes the Department of Education and Science different from most other Departments as regards the delegation of functions to Ministers of State.
The functions which have been delegated to Deputy Noel Treacy, relating to scientific and technological research and development in the third level education sector involve no specific statutory powers and duties. Accordingly, a Government order has not been made relating to that delegation.
In the case of Deputy Willie O'Dea, functions relating to youth affairs and adult education have been delegated to him. Of the functions delegated, the only functions which have a specific statutory basis are those arising under the Youth Work Act, 1997. An order relating to those functions has been prepared by my Department and the parliamentary draftsman's office and will be made by the Government in the near future.
