Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would just restate the point that the Minister for Justice and Equality is in Valletta at a summit that is addressing the biggest crisis to affect our Continent in a generation and it is essential that she is there. It is a crisis that has come upon the European Union over the period she has been in office. She is an extremely hard-working Minister who would be here under normal circumstances but we are not living in normal times. It is the job of the Justice Ministers from all member states to attend these meetings to assist the countries of origin, the people who are migrating and the front-line destination states which are in a very difficult position.

I accept the points made by the Deputies but I am not aware of the specific details around the committee itself. I know the committee meeting took place during Dáil sitting times, during the hours that were allocated. Week in and week out, in order for these Houses to conduct their business, Government parties have substituted and Deputies have asked other party members to be in attendance at committee meetings in their place. I know that the facility to nominate others to deputise at committee meetings exists. It is a matter to discuss with the Chairman of the committee. I attended at the first Committee Stage round but was not present for the second round.

In response to Deputy Clare Daly, she will be aware that the Attorney General's advice is never published. I know that Deputy Daly tabled a parliamentary question on that issue but the Minister is not accountable to the House with regard to advice given by the Attorney General. Our Attorney General has done and continues to do an excellent job during a period in which there has been a remarkable amount of legislation in development. Her advice is very much cherished and valued by Cabinet and by the Government. I have no doubt she will continue to give that exemplary professional advice to the Government in the same fashion as she has done to date.

See this speech in context