Minister for Forestry?
I was listening to Tonight with Vincent Browne and they raised the question, is there really a need for 20 (just raised from 17) Ministers of State? Why on earth do we have a Minister of State dedicated to forestry? There is even a state body to look after it already - Coillte
According to Vincent, these “ministers” have no budget, no power, don’t sit at the cabinet (except Children) but do get an increased salary of €147,284 and a nice title. The first 3 do have some power, hence the separation.
Chief Whip - Tom Kitt, T.D.
European Affairs - Dick Roche, T.D.
Children - Brendan Smith, T.D.
Health Promotion and Food Safety - Pat the Cope Gallagher, T.D.
Fisheries - John Browne, T.D.
Innovation Policy - Michael Ahern, T.D.
Office of Public Works - Noel Ahern, T.D.
Equality Issues - Seán Power, T.D.
Housing, Urban Renewal and Developing Areas - Batt O’Keeffe, T.D.
Environment and Energy - Tony Killeen, T.D.
Integration Policy - Conor Lenihan, T.D.
Forestry - Mary Wallace, T.D.
Lifelong Learning, Youth Work and School Transport - Seán Haughey, T.D.
Overseas Development - Micheal Kitt, T.D.
Food and Horticulture - Trevor Sargent, T.D.
Drugs Strategy and Community Affairs - Pat Carey, T.D.
Labour Affairs - Billy Kelleher, T.D.
NEW: Trade and Commerce - John McGuinness, T.D.
NEW: Disability Issues and Mental Health (excluding discrimination) - Dr. Jimmy Devins, T.D.
NEW: Older People - Máire Hoctor, T.D.
And another example of how money is mis-spent while vulnerable people suffer:
HSE cancels “thank you†bash for staff who worked through strike
No more dialysis patients accepted in Limerick hospital.
(both from limerick blogger that I meant to post a while ago)