Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

That is a matter for the Whips. I point out to the Deputy there will be an opportunity to debate European Union matters this week as part of the referendum Bill. The referendum will seek to ask the people to ratify the treaty of Lisbon, which has increased scrutiny powers for national parliaments. The Bill could facilitate the Deputy's wish to raise the views of the committees on those scrutiny matters which form part of the reports to which he has referred. There will be an opportunity to debate the substance and content of at least part of those reports' recommendations on foot of the legislation before the House this week.

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