THE ARRANGEMENT whereby a civil servant liaises with the Independent TDs supporting the Government was challenged by the Opposition.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said he had continued the practice whereby a staff member in his office assisted the Government Chief Whip's office in its work in liaising with TDs Jackie Healy-Rae and Michael Lowry.

"This official meets with these deputies on a regular basis and arranges to keep them briefed on issues as they arise. The official dealing with the deputies is an assistant principal and he assists the Chief Whip in this matter."

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny asked if it was a good use of a public servant's time. "These are so-called secret deals that nobody knows anything about except the Government, the Chief Whip and the person from the Taoiseach's office," he added.

Mr Cowen said there was a liaison arrangement so that the Chief Whip, as he would with members from all parties, had ongoing contact regarding the business of the House and any other issues arising which would be of interest to the people supporting the Government. "The arrangements and contacts are informal and could take the form of a meeting, phone call or other form of contact."

Labour deputy leader Joan Burton said an assistant principal was on the same salary scale as a TD and could earn up to €100,000 annually. "I understand the person spends much time minding the Independent deputies, but even if only a third or so of his or her time was used in this way, in current economic conditions, when the Government is withdrawing foreign language support teachers and so on, and when estimates have hit various elements of service very severely, how can this be justified?"

Mr Cowen said Independent Finian McGrath had withdrawn from the agreement. "I am sure he will continue to make representations and seek to obtain benefits for his constituency as he is entitled to, like any other member."