asked the Minister for the Public Service the cost of the Public Service Advisory Council to date including any expenses, e.g. fees, secretarial services, research and administrative assistance.

: In the nine years or so of their existence, the total cost to date of the council is estimated at £22,000, including all the items mentioned in the Deputy's question.

: In view of the fact that by and large the reports submitted by this council have been ignored, would the Minister not agree that the time has come for a close examination of their future to be considered?

: The Deputy's question has probably been prompted by an article which appeared in the November issue of Seirbhisí Poiblí. The council are a statutory body with statutory functions and obligations and legislation would be required to abolish them which is the course of action the Deputy seems to be suggesting. However, I am satisfied that the council are fulfilling a very worthwhile and very necessary function in drawing attention to and making recommendations for reform of the public service. There are high-level people involved in this very important work. They are giving of their time on a voluntary basis and their efforts are to be commended.

: Are not the recommendations of the council being ignored by and large?

: Up to now the council have issued eight reports. These have been placed in this House but if they have been ignored we must take part of the blame for that.

: We are getting into a debate on policy.