asked the Taoiseach the Ministers of State who are still members of local authorities.

The following Ministers of State are members of local authorities:

Lorcan Allen, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture; Thomas McEllistrim, Minister of State at the Department of Finance; Seán Calleary, Minister of State at the Department of Labour and at the Department of the Public Service; Mark Killilea, Minister of State at the Department of Posts and Telegraphs; Pádraic Flynn, Minister of State at the Department of Transport; Seán Doherty, Minister of State at the Department of Justice; Michael Smith, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture.

Would the Taoiseach not admit that we have more Ministers of State now with a dual mandate than ever before? Has the Taoiseach asked any of those to resign? Does he not believe that with the state of the economy and the state of the country at present the Ministers of State should be giving their full and undivided attention to the problems in their own Departments?

I can assure the Deputy that they give their full and undivided attention to the problems and matters of their own Departments.

Would the Taoiseach not agree that there are more Ministers of State now than ever before?

Yes, by legislation of this House.

Does the Taoiseach think it a good idea?

The Taoiseach did not wait for the end of the question?

Perhaps the Deputy would help his colleague out and ask the question himself?

Is it not true that now there are more Ministers of State who are members of local authorities? Can they give their undivided attention to doing the work of the State? Surely one is losing out?

No, neither is losing out.

Does the Taoiseach think he has super men at the present time?

Can we take it that the acceptance of the prevalence of this custom at the present time reflects an expectation of the shortage of tenure in their present ministerial office?