Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

That might have the opposite and unintended effect of becoming an impediment to the swift action required in the normal function of these bodies in a crisis.

Issues arise on the system on a fairly regular basis — the Deputy referred to 57 amber alerts last year. I know the Deputy does not intend this to mean that it should happen in the normal course of events, but it would be counter-productive to require the Minister to take control of the system even in an emergency.

We return to the distinction between being accountable to the House and being responsible. I will take responsibility for all my actions from the day that I can walk into a Department, pick my own staff and take action against people who perhaps do not do things the way they should. I will take responsibility for all my actions. From that time I am accountable to this House. I explained to this House what happened rather than taking responsibility when it is somebody else's responsibility due to how he or she handled a situation. While it is important we are accountable to the House, and I do not mind this, there is a significant difference between accountability and responsibility.

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