Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is surprising how well it works.

The system can sometimes be defensive in the provision of information. A predecessor of mine and former leader of Deputy Kenny's party made the famous point in the House that if one does not ask the right questions, it is very hard to get the right answers. That is not because the then incumbent was not as committed as others to providing full information; he was merely making the point that the system can be as described.

I agree with Deputy Kenny that the purpose ought to be the provision of useful, relevant and accurate information rather than vague replies. This requires Members seeking answers to ask questions clearly and on specific subjects.

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