Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 4

Written Answers. - Cabinet Committee Meetings.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

17 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the number of occasions the Cabinet committee on infrastructural development including public private partnership has met; when the last meeting was held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11352/00]

The Taoiseach:

The Cabinet committee on infrastructure has met on six occasions to date. Its last meeting was on 18 April, 2000.

The Cabinet committee on infrastructure is an integral part of Government and its meetings, as with any Cabinet committee, are an integral part of the business of Government. The practice has grown up over time of allowing questions in the House as to the date and number of meetings of such committees. Questions as to the business conducted at Cabinet committee meetings have never been allowed in the House on the grounds that they are internal to Government. The reasons for this approach are founded on sound policy principles and the need to avoid infringing the constitutional protection of Cabinet confidentiality.