Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The purpose of establishing a committee system was to ensure there was the ability to continue the accountability mechanism that Parliament provides to the Government, as provided for in the Constitution. We should not suggest that this is not the case because it is the case. During this month and in September the House will sit in its respective committee formats and continue the work those committees decide must be done as a matter of urgency, within their remit and terms of reference.

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