Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

If there were any abuse of this or dilatory behaviour, the inspector is always in a position to indicate publicly that the Department is sitting on the reports. If the inspector makes such a statement, the Minister will be in the dog house. There is goodwill in these matters. If the inspector expects the reports to be acted on, absorbed and appreciated by the system of Government, the provision of a reasonable period of time is essential.

The policy is that the report should be digested and published as soon as is reasonable. I do not wish to put an exact number of days on it.

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