Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

This resembles a legal battle whereby one can have one group of lawyers saying one thing while another group says the opposite. Time after time however, as far as the Health Service Executive and the National Roads Authority are concerned, we have seen how Members of either House table questions or move Adjournment matter, only to have their questions or motions ruled out of order on the grounds of Ministers' lack of responsibility in the area. We could set a precedent with this Bill by accepting my proposed amendment. Consequently, there would be accountability and questions could not be ruled out on the grounds of lack of responsibility.

While I take the Minister of State's point in respect of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, it is unable to change the operation of any Act that has been passed pertaining to, for example, the Health Service Executive or the National Roads Authority. However, Members can do something about this Bill by accepting this amendment, which would provide accountability to Members of both Houses. While it may never be used in this case, at least it would be provided for. I urge the Minister of State to reconsider this matter and to take it on board, because it is a reasonable amendment which would provide accountability to both Houses of the Oireachtas.