Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is why the information being held by the Ministers allows the Cabinet to make its decisions. That is the important element of the Economic Management Council. It is not a sidelining of the Cabinet. It is not a sort of secret organisation that makes decisions that are foisted on the people. It is merely a streamlining of the business of Government in a way that allows the Cabinet to do its work more effectively. From that point of view, it has saved a great deal of time, brought about a great deal of efficiency and keeps everybody informed very regularly about issues as they arise. They range from Ebola to beef to water to international events to the financial situation and whatever else. It is very important that Cabinet members be informed and up to date in order that, when they have to make decisions, they can make them.

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