(Limerick East): In view of the Minister's assurance that this is under active consideration and his subsequent assurance that procedures have to be followed, would he confirm that the decision of the Taoiseach to transfer responsibility for certain disbursements of money from his Department to the Arts Council in advance of consideration by the Government is in breach of these procedures?

That is a matter for the Taoiseach to comment on. It is not a matter for me.

(Limerick East): Is the Taoiseach's decision to transfer some of his functions to the Arts Council a unilateral decision or does it arise from this report?

We are dealing now with matters appertaining to the Minister for Finance, not the Taoiseach.

(Limerick East): He is responsible for the lottery.

The Deputy is referring to the Taoiseach's responsibility.

(Limerick East): You are too easy on the Minister. We have to be allowed ask him a question now and again. I know he is short on answers.

The Deputy may not impute partiality to the Chair.

(Limerick East): The Minister has ultimate responsibility for the disbursement of lottery funds. The figures are entered in his Estimate. Some of the money goes from his Department to the Taoiseach's Department. The Taoiseach has transferred his share to the Arts Council, as the committee recommended. Why have the other Ministers not done the same?

The report has gone to all Ministers in all relevant Departments. The Government will consider it in due course and I will make a statement on behalf of the Government when the decision has been finalised.