Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

We do not agree to this. There was a debate in the committee on the Health Estimate and information was not forthcoming as to the detail of what was being proposed. Our spokesman and members of the committee were frustrated with the information available to them and feel there is a need for further debate this morning so that issue can be properly scrutinised by the Dáil.

On No. 7a, motion re establishment of joint committee on economic regulatory affairs, we are not happy with the terms of reference. We reluctantly agreed to a review of the terms of reference within a year. However, I was surprised to read that the Taoiseach is setting up a parallel expert group to do the same task as he is proposing for this committee and that was not brought to the attention of those drafting the terms of reference. There are unresolved issues in the way this is being handled, but the issue on which we have the greatest concern is the handling of the Health Estimate where there is €250 million involved.

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