Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, together.

The role of the cross-departmental team is to identify and assist in progressing and resolving issues related to infrastructure planning and delivery, ensuring that they are adequately prepared for consideration by the Cabinet committee on housing, infrastructure and PPPs and, where necessary, by Government.

This preparation has helped to improve significantly the capacity for the delivery of national infrastructure, especially in terms of time and cost. However, lead responsibility remains clearly with the relevant Minister and Department in respect of each policy area or individual infrastructure project.

Meetings of the cross-departmental team were held on 8 November 2006 and on 29 November 2006. These considered key issues in regard to housing and transport infrastructure which, in turn, fall to be considered by the Cabinet committee. As the House is aware, Cabinet committees are an integral part of the Cabinet process and questions as to the business of Cabinet or Cabinet committee meetings have never been allowed in the House on the grounds that they are internal to Government.

This well established precedent is founded on sound policy principles and the need to respect and uphold the constitutional protection of Cabinet confidentiality. The cross-departmental team is due to meet again on 21 February 2007.

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