Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am keen to facilitate the committee under the Chairman's direction. I am in his hands on all occasions at which I attend here as Minister. I wish to acknowledge the importance of this committee. In my previous ministerial iteration or guise, I always acknowledged the importance of the appropriate committees and those committees would have acknowledged that we worked in a mutual manner. I hope the Chairman's committee and I will have a similarly positive and constructive relationship. I am happy to be here and I am happy at all times to engage with the committee.

I am keen to proceed with this Bill which I know is one of urgency for the committee. I have a busy schedule and I note what the Chairman said about the Minister of State, Deputy Phelan. I understand the Chairman is allowing me some respite to attend the plenary session of the Dáil for the Judicial Appointments Bill and I am due back this afternoon on another important issue. I hope we can proceed with as many of these amendments as possible in the timeframe envisaged.