Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Before I ask my question, I will briefly raise the issue of the practice of sending opening statements to committees at the last minute, which the Chair has commented on. It happens quite a lot and it is not helpful. It means we do not have an opportunity to engage with the material and it does not enhance the quality of the debate. The Minister said the statement was not cleared until last night. I get that and it is fair enough. He is busy and that happens but he also said there are sometimes leaks from committees. There are not. It is not a problem or an issue with this committee. If it is the case that there are leaks, that is fine but they do not come from us and I do not want that impression to be given. Perhaps he can clarify if his issue was one around fear. There was nothing controversial in his statement and nothing that could not have been predicted. It is one thing if there is an issue around leaking. If it is an issue around time I completely accept that and I get that the Minister is busy.