Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I agree with Deputy Kenny on this issue and express concern regarding the delay in the formation of the committees of the House. Such committees do not deal merely with legislation, they also deal with important matters such as consideration of the Estimates. Does the Taoiseach intend to schedule debates on Estimates in the House pending the establishment of the committees, which, in due course will consider the relevant Estimates themselves?

In respect of legislation, I note the Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005 is back on the Order Paper. The Taoiseach may recall this Bill was introduced to enable the Government to wind up tribunals of inquiry. My recollection is that the Green Party in particular expressed much concern regarding that Bill on its publication. Does restoration to the Order Paper of that Bill have the support of the entire Government? What are the Taoiseach's plans regarding its introduction to the House?

See this speech in context