Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, together.

The Cabinet committee on housing, infrastructure and PPPs last met on 12 December 2007. The next meeting is scheduled for 12 March 2008. The Cabinet committee is supported in its work by a cross-departmental team of senior officials from relevant Departments. The role of the cross-departmental team is to identify and assist in progressing and resolving issues related to infrastructure planning and delivery, ensuring that they are adequately prepared for consideration by the Cabinet committee and, where necessary, by the Government.

The cross-departmental team last met yesterday morning; it normally meets on a monthly basis and is due to meet again on 4 March 2008. There are no plans to change its role.

As the House is aware, Cabinet committees are an integral part of the Cabinet process and questions as to the business of Cabinet or Cabinet committee meetings have never been allowed in the House on the grounds that they are internal to Government. This well-established precedent is founded on sound policy principles and the need to respect and uphold the constitutional protection of Cabinet confidentiality. Questions about specific issues dealt with by the Cabinet Committee or the cross-departmental team should be addressed to the relevant Minister.

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