Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I do not have supplementary information on that matter based on the questions which have been tabled. Committees have the right and entitlement to invite people before them to discuss a range of policy questions not only in respect of the particular competencies they bring to the operation of State boards but also in terms of the policies that are being implemented, which are presumably consistent with Government policy as outlined by the relevant Minister. I understand that facility is available to all committees.

The question also relates to the conditions and contracts of employment which boards enter into with the executives they appoint. Presumably they act on legal advice on any arrangements arrived at subsequently in terms of severance or other matters.

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