Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

Nobody is arguing with the Minister that, in certain circumstances and with certain safeguards, he should be in a position to access the correct information. The problem is that these powers are being introduced by the Minister at the last minute without considering alternatives and safeguards with regard to how the Minister can achieve this. That, not the principle, is the problem with which we are faced. We agree there should be a process in a democratic system whereby the Minister has at hand, or can access, such information when he is asked a question in the House to be able to answer the question. Our point is that what is happening at present is not in compliance with normal democratic principles.

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