Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would. I accept the invitation to engage further from Senator Ruane. I would be keen to hear from the Senator and I would be keen to share with the Senator any information that she and I believe might be helpful.

This is a complex matter. I very much appreciate the interest of Senator Ruane and her contribution to the issue. As I said earlier, at present we are undertaking the groundwork for the preparation of the report, including the matter of funding for an appropriate level of research. We will be seeking submissions from interested parties once the review commences. I anticipate the monitoring committee will have a central involvement in the process and in assessing the issues as matters proceed. Of course it will play a role in any recommendation, guidance or advices that might be included in the matter of the reporting.

I very much appreciate the interests involved here. I acknowledge that there are differing views from different stakeholders. I am not going to prejudice or in any way pre-empt the modalities for outcomes of the review but I will commit to engagement with Senator Ruane in particular. Indeed, if there are other Senators who wish to engage or if the House, by way of motion or otherwise, wishes to hear further from me on this matter I would be happy to engage. I suggest, however, that were the issue to be raised with me in January or in the new year when matters are more advanced by my Department, I certainly will update the House at that point if it is deemed appropriate in the circumstances.