Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Ministers make decisions under legislative authority and the authority of this House. That is their constitutional duty and no one else has this duty. Those in other roles can make recommendations but Government makes decisions and is held accountable for these. This may involve disagreement among people.

Deputy Bruton seems to indicate that others should determine what are the Government's rights and entitlements. Government must make its decisions and must be held accountable for these decisions. Tax expenditures are regularly reviewed and examined in the context of the annual budget and Finance Bill process to ensure they continue to meet——

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