John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I had considerable experience during the development of the national drugs strategy, when I appeared before the relevant committee and answered specific questions on an ongoing basis. The committee system is far superior to the thrust of what goes on here with regard to the detail that might be required. We did not discuss the committee system when we spoke about reform but we should not undermine its importance and the importance of the attendance of relevant Ministers.

Deputy Finian McGrath asked about the Independent Members. I had not intended to speak to them because they were not part of the standing Sub-Committee on Dáil Reform, which has met on eight occasions. That being said, given the fact that Deputy McGrath has requested it I will arrange a meeting to elicit their views. I was not a member of the Sub-Committee on Dáil Reform, but rather than reading the transcript of its decisions I wanted to try to understand the level of debate and what was going on at it. The working group to which Deputy Stanton referred last met in July 2009.

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