Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 to 4, inclusive, together.

I have put it on record before that neither I, nor my Department, is solely responsible for the implementation of recommendations in the Reports of the Joint Committee. As Deputies may be aware, the joint committee has produced three reports to date dealing with freedom of expression; with amending the Constitution; and with the functioning of the electoral system. It would be a matter for the relevant Ministers to consider any recommendations emanating from these reports and to bring forward proposals to respond to them, as appropriate. I should point out, however, that two of them were Interim reports, surveying current practice in this and other jurisdictions, and did not put forward any recommendations.

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