Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I will remember that. The work done at Cabinet committees is just part of the wider ministerial work, while Cabinet meetings are where the decisions are made. Cabinet committees have a role, but it is not necessary that they be structured on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Sometimes issues arise where a series of meetings is required at that level before the issue is brought to Cabinet and dealt with so we can move on. We may also very well need to have a number of meetings of another committee because another issue that has arisen requires some more intensive cross-departmental consideration. People should not assume the number of meetings equates with their effect on a particular Cabinet committee. The Cabinet committee deals with an issue as it arises. Some of these committees are working very well. Our current ministerial arrangements have mitigated against the need for committee meetings and more action oriented ministerially directed activity has improved for those sectors and constituencies in respect of the offices we have set up.

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