Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have listened carefully to the Deputy's proposals and I have said that the regulator will be subject to the Freedom of Information Act. The regulator will also be amenable to an Oireachtas committee and will be able to answer any questions. If there are any issues that still fall to the Minister, although I cannot think of any that might, I am sure there is a mechanism for doing this. However, we do not normally in any legislation say the Minister should answer parliamentary questions on any body. By and large, the Houses determine these matters. The rules and regulations of the Houses are a matter for the Oireachtas and I do not want to trespass upon it.

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