Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The composition of the committee is based on proportionality of representation in the House. It is also important to have a committee with such numbers as will lend itself to effectiveness so that it can get through the important business it needs to do. Obviously the committee will report back to a plenary session of the House when every Member will have an opportunity to discuss and debate its deliberations. This composition of the committee meets with precedent on the establishment of all such joint committees. The Technical Group has nominated a Member. The suggestion from Deputy Rabbitte that the Progressive Democrats should have two out of the 11, which would suggest almost 20% representation, is not something that party would seek anyway.

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