Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Cabinet meets every week, sometimes more than once a week and, from time to time, twice a week, depending on the workload or requirements. All of these matters are discussed at Cabinet. Cabinet committees can meet in smaller format and their purpose is to provide assistance on specific issues that arise or specific areas of policy that require co-ordination or further discussion. That is the basis on which the economic, social or any other committee meets. Frequency of meetings is not a full indicator of activity or consideration being given by Government in respect of any of these matters. Full Cabinet meetings deal with these matters extensively on an ongoing basis as a priority. I cannot go into any more detail, other than that, to explain the workings of the committee.

In regard to the committee on social inclusion, we have been dealing with all those matters in full Cabinet meetings. The Deputy asked about various reports being considered by Government. We are beginning the budgetary and Estimates process. A very serious challenge to our public finances exists and we have to come forward with a budgetary position which will meet that. From our point of view, the role of Cabinet committees is to supplement the role of Cabinet and not to replace it.

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