Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When I was elected as Taoiseach I examined the issue and I found that Cabinet sub-committees used to meet on an irregular basis perhaps once a quarter. Given the state of affairs in a number of areas I felt it was appropriate that we should devote one day in the month exclusively to Cabinet sub-committees. I do that on a Monday from 8.30 a.m. right through until 6 p.m. I find it is a very effective way to focus on a number of issues in regard to the remit of any of the Cabinet sub-committees. I find they are more valued now than they ever have been because people are subject to timelines and therefore focused on particular issues to move them along and not let them drift, as might happen if they meet only on an irregular basis.

The answer to Deputy Higgins’s question is that Cabinet sub-committees are more important than ever from my point of view and we devote a particular focus to issues relevant to each of them on one Monday every month. I could not do it effectively, given the proceedings of the Dáil, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. I find the sub-committees very effective in terms of being able to move issues along.

The EMC is not a dictatorship.

It is a facility whereby the Tánaiste, the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I consider emerging issues that need to be dealt with. If we make a recommendation, we bring it to the Cabinet to make a full formal decision, if appropriate.

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