Voices in the House.
Public policy has become more complex as society has grown and developed.
- Minister of State Noel Ahern defending the Government's decision to increase the number of Ministers of State from 17 to 20.
I take with a large grain of salt the argument about more complexity and the need to manage new volumes of business.
- Richard Bruton (FG)
I do not know whether the Taoiseach was basically having a bit of a joke and a laugh when he gave the Department of Education five Ministers of State. - Joan Burton (Labour)
I believe every government has a mandate, and a responsibility, to consider and implement new initiatives in the public interest.
- Minister for Health Mary Harney
