Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

Yes. That is the position with regard to that issue. On the wider issue of the required concurrence of the Minister, this is the traditional formula used in connection with the rules of court where it is felt that there is a strong professional interest in the nature and character of the rules. However, the Minister, in the public interest, must have a final concurrence with whatever is decided. Otherwise the effect would be to surrender the legislative power to a body which is not accountable to this House.