Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We have brought forward legislation, through the commissions of inquiry legislation, to deal with those issues in a far more effective manner than through the 2004 Act, which as we know from experience has major cost implications, even in matters of public importance. These are often not dealt with with the speed people would expect because of the issues that arise in terms of witnesses etc. With regard to powers being given to the Committee of Public Accounts, I will have to check with the line Minister on the situation and the view of the relevant Department. The committee, under the Deputy's chairmanship and that of previous chairmen, has done important work and carries out an important function for Parliament. I would like to see it doing its work effectively. I will check on the matter and come back to the Deputy on it.

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