Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I thank the Taoiseach for telling us the frequency with which the committees are supposed to meet. We are five months into the life of the Government. It is surprising, to say the least, that the Cabinet committee which deals with the area of science and technology, with its importance for our economy, has not met since the Government was formed in June. It seems to indicate that the foot is off the pedal as far as the agenda for science, technology and innovation in the economy is concerned.

I am perplexed as to why the climate change committee has met on only one occasion. I appreciate what the Taoiseach said in regard to the Cabinet regularly discussing the issue of climate change but in view of the priority the programme for Government appeared to give to the issue and the fact that we are to have carbon budgeting for the first time this year, it is incredible that the committee established to address issues of detail by a Government which is supposedly committed to dealing with climate change has met only once. Who is responsible for the convening of that committee?

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