Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The purpose of the committee system is to enable a detailed examination of all these issues away from the plenary proceedings of the House, during which legislation and other issues are dealt with and major debates take place. The use of the committee system has enabled all of these votes to be scrutinised. Parties can hold a view on procedures and processes and revert to plenary session to confirm the adoption of estimates and to provide for general points to be made. The detail, remit and efficacy of the spend on all Estimates has been examined thoroughly on an all-party basis. Rigorous questioning of Ministers has taken place. I recognise people hold views on how to reform systems and so on but to suggest we only allocated 45 minutes to such a level of expenditure is not an accurate reflection of the work that has been done at committee.

Question put: "That the proposal for dealing with No. 10 be agreed to."

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