Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

——unlike some predecessors from various parties.

Does the Taoiseach chair the six committees or are they chaired by individual Ministers? What is the role of the sub-committee once it arrives at a decision? Does the decision go to the Cabinet as a recommendation from the sub-committee? If, for example, the Cabinet sub-committee on infrastructure discusses a bridge across the Corrib and reaches agreement, is that taken as a motion or proposal that eventually goes before the Cabinet for adoption by the relevant Minister as part of the Government programme?

A sub-committee was established to deal with the issue of Aer Lingus. On 17 May, the Taoiseach indicated it had finished its work and was concluded. Has that Cabinet sub-committee been wound up or is it still in existence? Could it, for example, consider the rumpus over Shannon and the Heathrow slots? I have an interest in deciphering the distinction between the State and the Government, in view of the fact that the Department of Transport was notified of the Aer Lingus decision whereas the Minister was not. Under business law, all shareholders in major companies should be informed of decisions that are imminent.

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