asked the Minister for Finance if, further to his reply of 30th June, 1970, stating that there were at present 153 civil servants working in the private offices of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries, he will state the corresponding figure for each of the past five years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ministerial Civil Service Personnel.
27.
The number of civil servants working in the private offices of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries on 30th June in each of the five years prior to the current year was as follows:—
|
1965 |
100 |
|
1966 |
111 |
|
1967 |
130 |
|
1968 |
131 |
|
1969 |
137 |
Can we have from the Minister for Finance, who is supposed to be responsible for the size of the Civil Service, some explanation as to why this extraordinary increase has occurred?
I do not think it is extraordinary and, of course, the reason is the greater complexity of work and the greater volume of work in the offices concerned.
This is not good enough.
It may not be good enough for the Deputy. That is what he means.
I have had this from this Minister time and again.
I have had these arguments from the Deputy.
With due respect to the Minister, any time I ask any question close to the bone he does not answer.
The Deputy will get an answer to any question.
Why are there now 150 people in the private offices of Ministers, whereas a few years ago there were only 100? What are they at? Are they protecting themselves?
(Interruptions.)
Is it not true that they are jobs for the boys and that the majority of them are doing purely political work and nothing else? Is that not quite true and is it not well known?
Of course, it is true.
The answer is in the negative.
It certainly is not. Some of them are watching low standards in high places.
The Minister is now in charge and he should look at this matter if he is worth his salt.
Will Deputy O'Donovan please resume his seat? Question No. 28.