Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Items are discussed at Cabinet committee if they cannot be discussed by the Government. The climate change strategy and issues surrounding climate change have been discussed at most meetings of the Government. The committee will carry forward its work but because it involves a new committee and a new agenda which is set out in the programme for Government it has been discussed at the Cabinet table and not at committee.

The Cabinet committee on science, technology and innovation is to ensure that science, technology, development and innovation are conducive to maintaining our competitiveness and to build on it. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, normally reports to the Government on these issues. When the Cabinet committee meets it is normally to bring a science adviser and officials before the committee. Issues relevant to the brief of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, are discussed at full Cabinet. It is not necessary to have Cabinet committee meetings unless we are bringing in individuals who would not attend meetings of the Cabinet and there probably was not one. I recall going to several meetings but I cannot be sure it was since the summer. Since no date is listed in the reply I imagine it was not. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, certainly reports on these issues, particularly with regard to companies, new initiatives and new involvements and this is a weekly occurrence.

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