Peter Barry
Ceist:5 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Finance if he will make arrangements to ensure the proper staffing and funding of committees established by Dáil Éireann.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Staffing of Dáil Committees.
The allocation of sanctioned staffing and other resources within the Houses of the Oireachtas is a matter for the Ceann Comhairle. I have no role to play in that regard.
The overall allocation of resources to the Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas falls to be determined annually in the context of framing the Estimates for that Office. It is possible that the total allocation made for that Office in any particular year does not permit the ambitions of individual committees or their chairmen to be met in full. But it is essential for Members of the Oireachtas, as it is for Ministers, to be aware of the general resources constraints which apply to all public services.
(Limerick East): Would the Minister agree that if we will the ends, we should also will the means, that there is not much point in having a committee allocated a specific task that does not have the resources to carry out that task on behalf of the Oireachtas? Furthermore, would he agree that officials of his Department should meet the chairpersons of the different committees immediately before the framing of the 1991 Estimates?
Preparation of the 1991 Estimates is proceeding. I understand that certain information has been exchanged between the two sides in relation to them. I can assure the Deputy that I will give the matter particular attention myself when the Estimate is submitted to me for approval.