Howlin unclear on number of quangos

The number of quangos remains unknown as the minister in charge of reform admitted that some only meet every few years.

Brendan Howlin, the public expenditure minister, said the number of quangos or state agencies could number anywhere between 150 and 250.

However, opposition politicians queried how nearly 50 agencies would be cut this year — as promised by the Government — if ministers could not even add up the total number of them.