Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The premise of the Deputy's question is patently absurd. In the unlikely event that his own party was in government and in the event that he was preferred with appointment, he would not suggest his own Government had lost interest in the issues because he had been moved from the committee, though maybe he would. The whole purpose of setting up that committee was to see if there was a basis upon which we could proceed in an all-party manner. It has been very difficult to achieve that consensus. The Minister, Deputy Barry Andrews, has indicated his preparedness to continue to look at the issue and work with the committee. It is true that three able Deputies have been given appointments in the Government. The Deputy will be glad to know we have many Deputies of ability in this party who will take their place. Those Deputies will liaise with the former members of the committee. They will be briefed fully on the matter and are well capable of continuing with the good work of Deputy Shatter and others on the committee to see if there is a way forward.

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