Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Government cannot make a decision until it receives the report in October of the committee established for that purpose. We have had interim reports from it and when we receive its full report in October the Government will have to consider the matter in light of the fact that thus far it has been impossible for the committee to come up with a consensus position which was the purpose of the establishment of the committee in the first place. In fairness, it was to report within four months of its establishment and many issues arose which the members wanted to discuss and speak about to various people. That time schedule has been dictated by the committee's deliberations. The Government should not anticipate the report until the work is completed.

With regard to the other matter, I am not aware of any constitutional issue regarding the Government bringing to the attention of the public by whatever means it wishes the factual outcome of an important meeting which took place with heads of States and Government; we ensure people are informed individually as to the outcome of that and of the implications of it.

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