Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

However, there are occasions on which proposals of a significant nature emanate from this side of the House. It is regrettable that the Minister, perhaps more than any of his predecessors, is inclined to play the narrow, partisan political card on almost all occasions. That gives rise to a measure of cynicism on the part of the public.

If the Minister had been present at yesterday's meeting of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, he would have witnessed a robust defence of the powers of that committee by such colleagues of his as Deputies Treacy and Thomas Byrne. The latter extolled the powers of the committee in the context of influencing the Government and amending legislation. As the Minister is aware, in order for amendments to be accepted by the Select Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights they must first attract his approval or blessing.

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