Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:127 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Taoiseach the number of meetings the Cabinet sub-committee on infrastructure has held in 2001; the number of further meetings planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19887/01]
Written Answers. - Cabinet Committee Meetings.
The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure and Public-Private Partnerships has met five times so far this year. The meetings were held in February, March, April, May and June. The next meeting is on Wednesday 4 July. I expect that we will continue to meet on a monthly basis for the remainder of the year.
The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure and PPPs is an integral part of Government and, as with any Cabinet committee, its meetings 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. A great deal of work is being done on all aspects of the infrastructure agenda. Questions on particular aspects should be put down to the relevant Minister.