Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

While looking at reform of the Dáil, would the Minister of State examine the committee system, particularly the compellability of witnesses? At the moment, Foynes Harbour Board is refusing to answer questions in front of the Joint Committee on Transport on its annual statement and CIE and Irish Rail refuse to answer important questions on their audits. Either these quangos are accountable to the Oireachtas or they are not. At present they refuse to be accountable.

The Minister for Transport clearly instructed the National Roads Authority not to build service areas but he still refuses to answer questions on this matter in the Dáil on the grounds he has no responsibility for the area. It is an absolute joke. I urge the Minister of State to crack the whip, get the job done and get Ministers and quangos to answer questions.

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