Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The business was structured so as to have statements until 3.30 p.m at which point the Minister will be taking Question Time, during which there will be an opportunity for Members to raise issues with him. That was the thinking behind it. However, if Members now want an extension of statements until 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. or into next week, subject to agreement by the Whips, that is fair enough.

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