John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Pearse Doherty pointed out the relevant jurisdiction and the Minister agreed. That is fine and no one can dispute that. As far as playing games is concerned, I think Deputy Doherty and the Chairman are playing a game. On the one hand, they are demanding that this is resolved before the Estimates are taken but, on the other hand, they have made no attempt to deal with the other committees on this and come to a resolution within the Oireachtas committee system to arrive at a solution. This is being brought to a head for political reasons, not organisational reasons, and has nothing to do with the jurisdiction of the committee. That is the game here.

I have been around long enough to see a ready-up being orchestrated around the Estimates and the Minister coming in this morning. I do not think there is any bona fide, realistic attempt being made to deal with this suggestion because the Chairman and other committee members have not earnestly dealt with the four or five other committees that have asked Mr. Watt to come in. I could make a strong argument that Mr. Watt should go before the health committee and give testimony. I could make plenty of arguments for other committees. I think we should deal with the chairmen of the other committees involved before ultimatums are issued and before we start abandoning Government business and the Estimates here today.