The system of oral briefings by Ministers, while not provided for in the legislation, is an integral part of the scrutiny system and will further promote dialogue between Members of the Oireachtas and the Government, facilitating the exchange of ideas, concerns and opinions. The last briefing that took place before the last general affairs Council meeting was an astonishing four and a half hour tour de force by Members of the Oireachtas who had put considerable time into preparation. It was a tragedy that it did not get more publicity in our media.