Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I did not anticipate the purview of these questions extending to the question Deputy Kenny asked. The Chief Whip has indicated that he is available to speak to committee Chairmen, Whips or whoever regarding this matter which has arisen in recent days. The question of people coming before committees was governed by the case mentioned by the Deputy, and the case of In re Haughey before that, back in the 1970s, regarding the principle of constitutional justice and the natural justice issues arising. The need to ensure that processes respect those rights is important in order for the process to be effective and beyond challenge in terms of judicial review. There is case law in these matters and legal advice available that can help guide the consideration of the questions raised in recent days.

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