Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator's point and that of Senator McDowell is that keeping Government in the dark and the non-disclosure of information to it is in some way an assault on the constitutional framework of the State. Senator Norris makes an interesting observation on the issue of Cabinet confidentiality which should be obvious to each and every one of us. I will not get into the issue of what is and is not said at a Cabinet meeting, but I am satisfied with the outworkings of the doctrine of Cabinet confidentiality. However, I will not be drawn into a debate on the matter here. However, I acknowledge the importance of Cabinet confidentiality and the manner in which our public affairs are ordered and the accompanying or consequential doctrine of collective Cabinet responsibility. As referenced by Senator McDowell, The Attorney General sits at the Cabinet table.