Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to make three brief points. First, in terms of clarification, I would never regard the Chairman or any member of this committee as commentators. The committee are very much legislators and players rather than commentators, and I am glad that the Chairman accepts that point, lest there be any doubt. Second, Deputy Chambers mentioned the issue of the availability or otherwise of the legal advice. It is always open to the committee at any time to seek its own legal advices, which I am sure will be under consideration by the committee. Finally, I thank the committee for the opportunity to set out the Government's position.