Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

As the Ceann Comhairle pointed out, there was a very detailed discussion of this proposal at the Business Committee meeting today. A unanimous decision was taken that it would not be in the interest of dealing with it to set up an Oireachtas committee. The main thinking behind that was based on the acceptance of the view that it would not be good to absorb significant amounts of the time of senior public health officials by having them come in here to meetings of a committee and that what we need are good, reliable and timely advice and briefings on the situation as it is emerging and changing from day to day. A briefing was arranged through the Minister for Health at 12 noon today for all party health spokespersons. It was a very worthwhile session. There were senior officials present. They made themselves available to answer detailed questions and clarify information already in the media. Having contacted the Minister for Health, I understand there is a commitment to provide briefings as often as is necessary.

I welcome the establishment of a cross-departmental group under the Taoiseach's office. It has been suggested that briefings be provided to other parties after each meeting of that group. I think that is the sensible and best way forward. We should adhere to the decision of the Business Committee from earlier today. In the event of emergency legislation or the endorsement of this House for any proposal being required at any point, I have no doubt that all Members will make themselves available to return here at short notice.

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