A Programme for a Partnership Government has indicated that a key reform in delivering its actions is the establishment of a fully resourced independent budget office within the Oireachtas, available to all Members. It is indicated that this is a key reform to making the working of the Government more effective and transparent, giving Members a greater say in the development of budgets. I am on the Committee on Budgetary Oversight and we are deeply concerned that we have no sight of the office being set up. It was recommended in the early autumn and nothing is happening.

I understand the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has done the classic hatchet "Yes Minister" job in saying it will not agree any position above a principal officer level, whereas most of the committee and this House believe this must go to assistant secretary level. I am interested to hear the Taoiseach's view. We need an office with real authority, skills and knowledge. Does the Taoiseach agree we require this sort of level?

Does the Taoiseach agree it is a disgrace that, as we start the new budget cycle, the budget oversight office is not in place? What could the Taoiseach's office do to convince the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to stop acting in this "Yes Minister" mode by stalling this critical piece of Oireachtas reform and to let us see it happen? We have not even advertised it. We are starting the new budget process and we do not have the offices in place which we need to do our job properly.

The Ceann Comhairle and his office are working on it. It is part of the programme for Government and, therefore, should be attended to. There is no point in setting up an ineffective office. In discussions, the appropriate level of status, remuneration and facilities should be made available. From my Department, we will see what we can do to expedite it in accordance with the work and discussions the Ceann Comhairle has had.