Mr. Martin Fraser:

The Taoiseach chairs them almost all the time. I cannot remember any occasion in this Administration when the Taoiseach did not chair them. We have evolved to a situation where we try to hold them all consecutively on one or two days if possible, just to help manage his time. As the names suggest, they deal with various areas which are cross-departmental where the Taoiseach has a particular interest. It might be a standing issue such as European affairs, it might be something in which we are trying to carry out serious reforms, such as health, or it might be a topic that we wish to put a focus on, such as mortgage arrears. The management council has the standing of a Cabinet committee as well. This is all on the record of the House and the Taoiseach answers questions about them. The Taoiseach chairs them and they are attended by relevant Ministers, who are appointed to the committees by the Government, and by officials.